‘The Godfather of Our New Nation’: South African President Honored As Archbishop Desmond Tutu Is Buried | world News

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Archbishop Desmond Tutu was described as “the godfather of our new nation” at his state funeral in South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the anti-apartheid hero is “a humble and brave human being who spoke out for the oppressed, the oppressed and the suffering of the world”.

Leading nonviolent resistance to white minority rule, Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and a decade later his friend Nelson Mandela – imprisoned for decades under the regime – became president after the rise of democracy.

Photo: Archbishop Desmond Tutu has passed away at the age of 90. Photo: Archbishop’s request for the cheapest available coffin. Pic: AP

President Ramaphosa praised Tutu’s role in seeking to heal the rift in the new “rainbow nation” – a term he coined – as he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to expose the atrocities committed under the apartheid regime.

The South African president delivered a eulogy at the end of the funeral for the archbishop, who died at the age of 90 on December 26.

In keeping with his wishes for a ceremony without ostentation, Toto’s body was laid in a simple pine coffin while serving at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town.

Mr Ramaphosa said: “While our beloved Madiba [Mandela] He was the godfather of our democracy, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the godfather of our new nation.

“He saw our country as a rainbow nation, emerging from the shadow of apartheid.

“With this term, Rainbow Nation, bequeath to our new nation the greatest gift of all: hope and tolerance.”

Photo: The funeral service was held at St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. Pic: AP

Mr. Rampahusa described Tutu as a “crusader in the struggle for freedom, justice, equality and peace” in his country and around the world.

Through his campaigning on issues from AIDS treatment, LGBT rights, the Palestinian cause and child marriage, the president has “handled the batons on behalf of millions of people around the world.”

He added, “He didn’t stop fighting. He didn’t stop talking. He didn’t stop caring.”

In a video message shown at the funeral, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, described how Tutu inspired people globally.

Reverend Welby said: “Archbishop Tutu has lit the world…this light has lit nations across the world who were struggling with fear, conflict, persecution and oppression where the marginalized suffered.

“He did not stop shining light. His light was the light of Christ, and that is why his light will shine.”

He described Tutu and Mandela as “two giant figures who rose above the world.”

In the cathedral, the Archbishop’s daughter, Reverend Nontumbi Naomi Tutu, said: “Thank you, Father, for the many ways you have shown us with love, for the many times you have challenged us, and for the many times you have comforted us.”

Image: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Tutu have been described as “giant figures towering above the world” Image: Mpho Tutu with the coffin of her father, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Pic: AP

His foundation said Tutu, who was South Africa’s first black archbishop, asked “not to spend generously” on his funeral but rather “asked that the coffin be the cheapest available”.

Attendance at this event was limited due to coronavirus restrictions.

It came after days of mourning in which hundreds paid their respects by singing and laying flowers.

Toto’s body is set to be aqueous after the funeral – a process that involves dissolving the remains in a solution, which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to cremation.

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