Imtiaz Sooliman from Gift of the Givers:
We remember him fondly as an honourable man, a man of integrity, the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu, intensely spiritual with huge intellect, yet humble, deeply caring, gentle, sincere, God-fearing, outspoken yet never malicious, destructive or sensationalist.
This was exemplary of a true Nobel Laureate, a giant of a man, dedicated to peace, human rights, truth and justice, a man of the cloth who lived the essence of scripture, understanding the unity of man, of religion and of cultures, never judgemental, hurtful or harsh, a true embodiment of the quality of the Holy Prophet Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him), always forgiving, compassionate to the victim, and a guide to the perpetrator, living the essence of true religion striving to guide every human to the path of righteousness and spirituality, the path that is never self seeking, that teaches love, compassion and selflessness, the path that teaches man never to offend or harm fellow human, animal and all of creation.
He lived his life to the full, there was no conflict or separation from church or state, these are indivisible, as divine teachings cover the entire ambit of human existence, and he lived that to the hilt.
The “Arch”, as we lovingly knew him, had no hesitation to pronounce on matters of state, fearlessly and truthfully. He was a man of God and we will always remember him as such. Walking into his simple office, we were received with such warmth and genuine love, embraced with deep caring, his laughter, humour and wit skillfully disarming us in the intimidating presence of greatness.
Gift of the Givers cherishes the many projects jointly with the Anglican Church locally, on the continent, internationally, and with the Group of Elders, and appreciates the award received from the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, all these under the guidance of this great human being.
Our deepest condolences to Mam Leah Tutu, the Tutu family and the Anglican Church. May the Arch rest in peace, and may the Almighty receive him in the highest levels of the spiritual realm. The nation has lost one of its greatest assets.