Boris condoles demise of South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Tutu, a Gandhian follower and Nobel Peace Prize winner died aged 90. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1990s and in recent years he was hospitalized on several occasions…reports Asian Lite News.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday condoled the death of South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Describing him as a critical figure in the fight against apartheid, Johnson said Archbishop Tutu will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and good humour.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was a critical figure in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to create a new South Africa – and will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humour,” Boris Johnson tweeted.

Tutu, a Gandhian follower and Nobel Peace Prize winner died aged 90. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the late 1990s and in recent years he was hospitalized on several occasions.

Tributes continue to pour in for Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He died in Cape Town this morning at the age of 90. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela delivered the 11th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture. She reflects on Tutu’s legacy. #AllAngles #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/LZwUeqJTHJ

— eNCA (@eNCA) December 26, 2021

Desmond Mpilo Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize 1984 for his role as a unifying leader figure in the non-violent campaign to resolve the problem of apartheid in South Africa. He was hailed as the conscience of South Africa.

Meanwhile, the Queen said: “I am joined by the whole Royal Family in being deeply saddened by the news of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man who tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across the world.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall said they were “deeply saddened” to hear his death, saying his bravery in speaking out “against the evil of apartheid and highlighting the threat of climate change” was an inspiration.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said when they introduced their son Archie to the archbishop in South Africa in 2019, Tutu made a joke about “Arch and The Arch”, and his “infectious laughter” rang through the room and relaxed “anyone in his presence”.

“He was an icon for racial justice and beloved across the world,” they said.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer described Tutu as “a tower of a man and a leader of moral activism” who “dedicated his life to tackling injustice and standing up for the oppressed”.

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