THE Anglican Diocese of Natal will host a memorial service in honour of Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Wednesday, December 29, at noon at the Cathedral of the Holy Nativity in Pietermaritzburg.
The event will be livestreamed on various social media.
Reverend Alvin Sigamoney from the Anglican Diocese of Natal paid tribute to Tutu at St Thomas Anglican Church on the Berea in Durban, on Tuesday.
Sigamoney has been an ordained priest for 29 years, and worships and assists at St Thomas. He received his diploma in theology from Tutu at St Paul's Anglican College Grahamstown/Makhanda in 1993.
From world leaders to people on the street, many people had only the best to say about Tutu.
The POST photographer Theo Jeptha spoke with a few Durbanites. Here are their thoughts on The Arch, as he was affectionately known:
* Kim Thurston, 29, from the Bluff: “Desmond Tutu was a man of integrity. He was fearless in his stand for what was right. He was an ambassador of peace in times of turmoil.”
* Collin Smith, 65, from Newlands East: “The Archbishop is probably the biggest legend to come out of South Africa. I love the fact that he always brought a smile to people’s faces. We are going to miss him dearly.”
* Mayville residents Bernadette Trichardt, 38, and Nicholas Trichardt, 42, said although they never knew Tutu personally, whenever they saw him in the media, it always felt like seeing their own grandfather.
“He was an example of how God expects his children to handle themselves and how to deal with people we come into contact with. Truly a ray of light to the world. We pray that the Father (God) holds those he (Tutu) has left tightly in his hands and be the source of comfort they require. Rest in peace.”
* Elizabeth Smith, 65 from Newlands East: “Desmond Tutu was a man of stature and strength who used his wisdom and quest for justice and reconciliation to stand up against injustice and the atrocities of apartheid. He will also be remembered for speaking truth to power unapologetically and being a moral compass without fear or favour.
“He was not afraid to stand in the face of adversity and allowed his charismatic, energy-fuelled drive and passion to speak a message filled with hope and unity to each person, irrespective of race, colour and creed, in South Africa.”
*Darrian Smith, 39, from the Bluff, said Tutu’s heart was about bringing people together to create a society that spoke to peace, love and forgiveness.
“He was unflinching in his stance of reconciliation and justice. We could all take a leaf out of his book in terms of striving towards fighting the good fight, irrespective of the costs. He was a true hero who walked the road he preached.”
* Anita Mbanjwa, 23, from Overport: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu played a big role in the peace and unity in South Africa today. It was through people like him that we are experiencing true democracy. Archbishop Tutu left a mark and truly made a big positive difference in South-Africa. I honestly don't know who is capable of filling such big shoes.”
* Lungelo Mkhize, 21, from Hillcrest: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu really took over the role that Nelson Mandela played as the father of our nation. He led as a beautiful example. Always preaching peace and unity. Legends like ArchbishopTutu come once in a lifetime. May his soul rest in peace.”
* The Anglican Diocese of Natal will host a memorial service on these social media pages and channels: The Diocese of Natal, Cathedral of the Holy Nativity Diocese of Natal, Anglican Diocese of Natal - Communication, and Cathedral of the Holy Nativity
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