No word yet on Tutu’s recovery

ARCHBISHOP Emeritus Desmond Tutu is expected to celebrate his 87th birthday on Sunday, and there is no word on whether he would be at home or in hospital.

Tutu was admitted to hospital on September 28 for a series of tests, and by yesterday there was no word on his progress.

When Tutu was admitted to hospital, his family said he was in good spirits after settling into his ward, and he hoped to be back home in a few days.

The family did respond to requests for an update on his condition yesterday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the 8th annual Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture at Artscape on Monday.

Meanwhile, ANC Deputy President David Mabuza visited Struggle veteran Andrew Mlangeni in hospital yesterday.

The stalwart’s son, Sello Mlangeni, said his father was in a stable condition.

Mlangeni, 93, is one of the only two surviving Rivonia accused.

The other surviving political activist is 85-year-old Denis Goldberg, with whom he stood trial along with Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki and Raymond Mhlaba, among others.

“The ANC wishes Tata Mlangeni a speedy recovery and also wish to call on South Africans to keep him and his family in their prayers.

“We cannot help but acknowledge his tremendous contribution that led to the Rivonia trial where he stood shoulder to shoulder with Nelson Mandela and other accused.

“We are forever indebted to him and his contemporaries in the Struggle.”

“The ANC leadership will continue to be in touch with his family and monitor his condition,” the party said.