President warmly congratulates Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu on his 90th birthday

President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his warmest congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu who celebrates his 90th birthday today, 7 October 2021.

The President wishes the globally renowned former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town and Johannesburg; 1984 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission a happy birthday in the company of his family and friends.

The President pays tribute to Archbishop Tutu for his role as a fighter in the cause for human rights, for equality and for social justice in the 59  years since his ordination.

In a written message to the Archbishop, President Ramaphosa says: “You continue to remind us that fellowship, solidarity, charity and compassion for the vulnerable are values common to us all, and we should strive to live by them each day.

“We are further reminded that taking up the struggle for equality and social justice is not the responsibility of only government, civil society organisations or the clergy, but of us all.”

The President expresses his deep regard to Archbishop Tutu for a life that has been well-lived in honesty, integrity, fearlessness and service to humanity in South Africa and globally.”

President Ramaphosa acknowledges the moral and ethical guidance Archbishop Tutu has provided to the nation after liberation.

“At times when we have found ourselves losing our way, you have taken us well to task. For nearly three decades, yours has been a voice of conscience, guiding us and motivating us to do better by our people.”

The President wishes Archbishop Tutu good health 
and fellowship and companionship with those close to him.


Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria