By Kaya 959 Reporter
Cape Town officials have set up a condolence book outside the St. George’s Cathedral for people to leave messages for the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
For those who live outside of Cape Town, there is also an online book available.
Tutu, the last surviving South African laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, passed away in Cape Town at the age of 90 at the weekend.
The City of Cape Town said Tutu taught about the courage of conviction, especially in the face of opposition and oppression.
“He also taught us about the power of humility and the ability within each of us to take a stand against injustice,” officials said in a statement.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Patricia de Lille, joined a number of high-ranking officials who visited Tutu’s family home in Milnerton, to pay their respects.
De Lille was at the Tutu home on the day he passed.
She said she had just relieved Dr Mamphela Ramphele who was also helping to watch over Tutu 24-hours a day.
De Lille said about 40 minutes after she arrived, she could see he was going. She said Tutu’s wife, Leah, held his hand and kept her head on his chest. He passed shortly thereafter.
Desmond Tutu’s funeral
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that Tutu will be given a Special Official Funeral – Category 1.
The funeral will take place at St George’s Cathedral on New Year’s Day, Saturday, 1 January 2022.
This designation is enabled by the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual, according to the Presidency.
“The distinguishing features of a Special Official Funeral – Category 1 include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force. On this particular occasion and based on the late Archbishop’s wishes, the SANDF ceremonial content will be limited to the handing over of the National Flag to Mam Leah Tutu.
“As part of this funeral designation, the National Flag flew at half-mast throughout the country and at South African diplomatic missions worldwide from sunset on Tuesday until the evening of the funeral,” the Presidency said.
ALSO READ: City of Joburg to host memorial service for Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu



