Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a man of unwavering courage, of principled conviction, and whose life was spent in the service of others. He embodied the essence of our humanity. This was the sentiment shared by President Cyril Ramaphosa paying tribute to Tutu last night. The archbishop died peacefully in Cape Town at the age of 90 years old.

President Ramaphosa highlighted major contributions Tutu played in liberating South Africans from the oppressive Apartheid regime. He was remembered as a person who carried the burden of leadership with compassion, dignity, humility, and with such good humour.

He noted that Tutu’s brave and often critical voice lost none of its vigour when apartheid ended. President Ramaphosa explained that The Arch was frank and forthright, speaking truth to power, even when this meant criticising the democratic government.

President Ramaphosa says despite the saddening news of his death, South Africa should be comforted in his knowledge, and the mark he left on millions of people who had the privilege of knowing him.

A period of mourning will be declared. The national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and at South Africa’s diplomatic missions abroad.

[Picture: AP]