Kaya 959 News Reporter
The Candle Light Prayer Service and wreath-laying in honour of Archbishop Desmond Tutu happened earlier today at the Tutu House in Orlando West.
A number of Clergy attended the ceremony to pay their respects to Tutu.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Mpho Phalatse, and the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg Council Vasco da Gamma were also present.
The ceremony began with an opening prayer followed by praise and worship by the Orlando Pirates Choir.
Members of the Orlando West Community were also given a platform to pay their respects to the Tutu family.
Reverend Peter Lenkoe who is described as the most senior retired priest in the Diocese of Johannesburg shared an account of Tutu’s wisdom.
Tutu believed that “the basis of faith and theology is love, compassion, and forgiveness”.
Although he encouraged his fellow Men of God to improve themselves academically, once they did, he reminded them that the love they displayed in their ministries was of the utmost importance.
Mayor Phalatse then followed with her tribute to the legacy of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
In her speech, she reminded South African’s that it was Tutu who coined the phrase “Rainbow Nation”.
She shared that as a rich melting pot, South Africa needs to lead the way in Africa and demonstrate what a true Rainbow Nation is.
She also reminded the nation that Tutu lived a life of servitude, which is why he spoke freely against corruption.
In closing, she offered that the result of the 2021 elections which saw no political party receive a majority of votes can only be a result of the prayers made by the likes of Tutu, who also dreamed that a Rainbow Nation would be realised within political ranks.
Following the Mayor’s speech, the candlelight ceremony began with prayer, a reading and in closing, Bishop Stephen Moreo of the Diocese of Johannesburg addressed all those in attendance.
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