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Cape Town – Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah were yesterday recognised for their lifetime commitment to social justice.
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Cape Town presented the Award for Peace with Justice to them in a service in St George’s Cathedral.
The elderly couple, in very good spirits, were dwarfed by the cathedral’s vaulted stone ceilings.
Tutu’s “loud cackle” echoed through the building periodically. His laugh also got a mention in Tutu’s certificate.
“We honour Desmond Mpilo Tutu’s extraordinary contributions to the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, to South Africa, Africa and the world as a priest and pastor, prophet and teacher, healer and humourist,” Makgoba read out.
He said Tutu cajoled people to love one another and to recognise their common humanity.
“Angered when he sees those who’re created in God’s image subjected to violations of their human dignity, he speaks out courageously for justice in the face of overwhelming odds.”
This was supported by his “sense of humour and a loud cackle”, Makgoba said as the couple sat in front of him and the relatively packed church.
Leah was honoured as a mother, supporter and courageous opponent of injustice and oppression.
“As a role model for students on campuses from Fort Hare to Rome, she helped young women uncertain of themselves in adjusting to their new world.
“Uprooted from a life of comfort abroad, she came home to fight bravely for the rights of domestic workers, confronting those who would ill-treat some of the most powerless in society.”
Makgoba said she created a safe haven for many in the face of threats to her husband and family.
City workers had filed into the cathedral before the sun was even up. A gaggle of singing schoolgirls in uniform did not miss out on the opportunity to have a selfie taken with Tutu.
Previous recipients of the award include Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda. — AFP
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