The moral compass to the nation
ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu distinguished himself over a lifetime of contribution to South Africa’s freedom Struggle.
He was, first and foremost a man of the cloth, even though he straddled the vast divide between religion and revolution.
By implementing his religious teachings he practically demonstrated both the church’s and his opposition to apartheid. He showed the world that the church would not be neutral in the face of injustice, but would rather be an active participant in the quest for freedom in South Africa.
While rubbing shoulders with icons of the Struggle such as Nelson Mandela and numerous other national and international statespersons and leadership figures, he retained the common touch, relating well to ordinary people and identifying with the poor, the destitute in the unrelenting pursuit of a more equal and just society.
The Arch led from the front. During the many dark years of the 1980s when political leadership was suppressed, banned or detained, he bravely stepped into the breach and took to the streets in protest, staring down the might of the brutal apartheid security forces without flinching.
As the recipient of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize, he used the worldwide reach and recognition that this afforded him, to expose the cruelty of the apartheid government and its brutal practices, in furthering the fight for freedom in South Africa. On international affairs in Tibet or Palestine and various other oppressed nations, the Arch courageously spoke about injustice and oppression, lending his support and expressing condemnation.
A person of integrity, he was the conscience and moral compass to the nation. South Africans were endeared to his authentic, charming, witty, colourful persona which was regularly accompanied with a good sense of humour. He used his amazing intellect and personality to the people’s advantage.
He was outspoken against corruption and injustice even after 1994, not holding back when expressing his criticism of and disgust at some of the practices within the government, and even cautioning the new governing party to “watch out” – words that were perhaps prophetic as the recent local government 2021 election results have proven.
It is the kind of example that ACM and its supporters can relate to in that we must all continue to be vigilant against corruption, inequality, joblessness, poverty and indignity that still prevail in our society – even after 27 years of freedom for all citizens.
The nation also owes the Arch a debt of gratitude for his sterling contributions to nation-building as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission – no one other than Tutu could have led us on that process of healing. That his emotive and heartfelt stewardship struck deep chords with the nation is uncontested; and even though the process may have been deficient in its end point, it is not a poisoned chalice that can be laid at Desmond Tutu’s doorstep.
Archbishop Tutu also took a clear stand against patriarchy, gender discrimination and GBV and supported the rights of the LGBTQIA community. As a country, we would do well to heed his wise counsel. If we really want to pay tribute to his legacy, we must emulate all that he stood for.
The Active Citizens Movement sends its deepest condolences to the Tutu family and salutes them as well, in particular Mrs Leah Tutu, who was a great pillar of support to her late husband.
Hamba kahle, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A Man of Peace, Love and a Liberator. A life well lived in service of God and the people of South Africa.