ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND TUTU

The FW de Klerk Foundation and Mrs Elita de Klerk were deeply saddened by the announcement this morning of the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

For much of the past five decades, Archbishop Tutu was South Africa's moral compass. A fearless and outspoken critic of apartheid, he nevertheless consistently advocated non-violent change.

During the turmoil of the 1980s he continued to lead the struggle against apartheid through the role that he played as a patron of the United Democratic Front. He believed in the humanity of all people and bravely intervened to save a potential victim from being killed by necklacing.

He led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with distinction and believed passionately in South Africans as the "Rainbow Nation of God". After 1994 he continued to speak out for the rights of all South Africans and was a bitter critic of state capture.

He richly deserved the Nobel Peace Prize that he was awarded in 1984. South Africa will miss his impish wit and his consistent advocacy for justice and reconciliation.

Issued by the FW de Klerk Foundation, 26 December 2021