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JOHANNESBURG – Archbishop Emeritus and anti-apartheid campaigner Desmond Tutu has died at the age of 90.
Today, President Cyril Ramaphosa released a statement confirming the passing.
The man who coined the phrase “the Rainbow Nation” and was affectionately known as “the Arch” has been fighting prostate cancer for roughly two decades.
The Reverend Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a fierce campaigner for human rights and dignity.
Nelson Mandela described him as “sometimes strident, often tender, never afraid and seldom without humour,” adding that “Desmond Tutu’s voice will always be the voice of the voiceless”.
He fought openly and passionately against oppression, racism, poverty and homophobia.
Born in Klerksdorp in 1931 and having studied teaching and theology, Tutu became increasingly active in the fight against apartheid as a young man and rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as a vocal opponent of the apartheid system.
In 1984 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
By 1986 Tutu had become the first black person to lead the Anglican Church in Southern Africa and used his position to fight for peace and justice.
After South Africa finally held its first democratic elections, Tutu was appointed chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) set up to deal with the atrocities of apartheid.
In the years after the TRC ended, Tutu continued to speak out on moral and political issues
Online Reporter