GOOD statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD: Secretary-General
26 December 2021
Desmond Mpilo Tutu 07 October 1931 – 26 December 2021
Bearer of ancient wisdoms who lived before his time
Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a role-model who embodied the ancient wisdoms of the golden rule of human reciprocity (do unto others…) and Ubuntu (I am a person through other people) but nonetheless strode the earth ahead of his time.
He dared to paint a picture of inclusivity, tolerance, dignity and justice – in an era in which humanity was careening towards social and environmental injustice on tidal waves of greed, inequality and division.
He wasn’t naïve. He understood that all people have weaknesses and vulnerabilities, for which he was generally very forgiving. But he described himself as a prisoner of hope.
He never stopped hoping that humans would recognize the equal worth in each other, their inter-dependence, and treat each other and the world with a great deal more love and reverence;
He never quit supporting proverbial underdogs;
He never gave up praying for the redemption of stray members of the human flock – even, by name, for apartheid presidents; and
He never relinquished his belief that our innate human values would prevail in the end, and that the world could be a better place.
In the last phase of his life, over the past two decades, his professional career over, the Archbishop represented the country and continent with the utmost integrity as a global icon of leadership and morality.
He worked for a myriad of good causes – from climate justice, to justice in Palestine, to justice for members of the LGBTI+ community – and he chaired a group of senior statesmen and women, called The Elders, leading a team that included retired presidents, prime ministers and exceptional people of unimpeachable integrity.
South Africa and the world will be significantly poorer for his passing.
To Mrs Leah Tutu, the couples four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we send our most heartfelt condolences.
May this exceptional human treasure rest in peace and rise in glory.