The world is mourning the loss of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who passed away on Sunday, December 26 in Cape Town. President Cyril Ramaphosa described the Anglican cleric as a “man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid”, who was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid.
Tributes have been pouring in since the announcement was made, as Cape Town’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis released a statement conveying his condolences:
“We mourn the passing of the greatest Capetonian, and one of the last giants of our time. The Arch and Madiba were a formidable pair who together served as South Africa’s moral compass and vocal and critical conscience. Their unforgettable partnership will leave a lasting legacy in helping to heal the wounds of our country.
“While we mourn the passing of the Arch, we also celebrate the powerful and uplifting impact that he had on our country, our world, and on all of our lives.
“In Cape Town, we will honour the Arch’s memory in our dedication to our higher purpose of building the society he committed his life to – a society of unity, healing, dignity, and care.”
The Nelson Mandela Foundation shared these sentiments in a statement, describing Tutu as “larger than life”.
“His contributions to struggles against injustice, locally and globally, are matched only by the depth of his thinking about the making of liberatory futures for human societies. He was an extraordinary human being. A thinker. A leader. A shepherd. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time,” the statement read.
“We owe it both to Madiba and to the Arch to continue working for the country and the world of their dreams,” said Foundation Chief Executive Sello Hatang.
Here’s how Twitter’s been reacting to the news:
The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa. pic.twitter.com/vjzFb3QrNZ
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 26, 2021
Today, we mourn a true son of our soil. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s legacy of tolerance, peace and love will continue to inspire us. pic.twitter.com/ObUICH1SIc
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) December 26, 2021
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has passed away. This is the most devastating news to wake up to ?? MHSRIP and thank you for all you do for us as a nation Arch ??
— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) December 26, 2021
RIP “The Arch” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu – one of the most precious, positive, principled, lovable and inspiring people ever to have lived among us.
— Gareth Cliff (@GarethCliff) December 26, 2021
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce that our dearly beloved Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town – and the 1984 Nobel Peace laureate – Desmond Mpilo Tutu died a short while ago at the age of 90.” – Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town https://t.co/SmDx0yOBg5
— Anglican Media SA (@AnglicanMediaSA) December 26, 2021
As the President said, the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is another chapter in the passing of South Africa’s greatest people. The Arch was a champion for truth and our country’s conscience. We bow and bid farewell to an icon and universally loved Arch ?? pic.twitter.com/LI5D6uIz3V
— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) December 26, 2021
I’m so sad that Archbishop Tutu has passed away – the world has lost a giant. He was a brave leader, a mischievous delight, a profound thinker, and a dear friend https://t.co/YYBh6RYhUz
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) December 26, 2021
RIP Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 90. A magnificently charismatic & heroic figure who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his relentless campaign against Apartheid in South Africa. Love his quote: ‘If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.’ pic.twitter.com/7t7OVhU71Z
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 26, 2021
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Picture: Twitter