Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu spent his third night in hospital last night because of a persistent infection.
ARCHBISHOP Emeritus Desmond Tutu is expected to spend Nelson Mandela International Day in hospital as he receives treatment for a persistent infection.
Tutu, 83, was admitted to an undisclosed hospital on Tuesday after he had not responded to “oral antibiotics, and was experiencing discomfort”, according to his daughter, Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu.
She said her father was in good spirits, cared for in a first-class facility, and the infection was “below the belt”. It was not in his prostate, she told a press briefing yesterday.
“His doctors are absolutely world-class. They could be commanding exorbitant fees almost anywhere in the world and they have chosen to give their services to my father. He is indeed a national treasure and these doctors are making a gift to the nation,” she said.
Mpho said her family was confident Tutu will recover and that the doctors were also satisfied his cancer remained “well under control” with the medication currently used.
Tutu and his wife Leah Tutu celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the St George’s Cathedral earlier this month, and Mpho said the outpouring of messages of support and prayers has been carrying her family through.
“I want to express deep gratitude for the messages as my father undergoes treatment. I think we have been overwhelmed by the concern and care. We recognise that my father is very privileged and that he has an excellent team of doctors taking care of him.”