Cape Town - The African National Congress on Friday expressed relief and happiness at Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s improved health following the news of his hospitalisation earlier in the week.
“The African National Congress is relieved and happy on the improved health condition of the Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. We believe that his pending discharge from hospital signals that he is recuperating well,” the ANC said.
“We thank all South Africans who carried him in their prayers. We join his family in anticipation of him rejoining the South African society in his signature jovial mood,” said the ANC.
Tutu, who has been battling with prostate cancer for the past 15 years, celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Nomalizo Leah earlier in July.
On Friday morning, Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters sent her well wishes for a speedy recovery to Tutu.
“Archbishop Tutu is hailed amongst the most progressive leaders that South Africa has ever produced. As we celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day on Saturday July 18, 2015, let us all, as South Africa and people of the world, put Archbishop Tutu and family on our prayers,” said Peters.
She said Tutu had inspired many South Africans and people around the world as he is “an embodiment of peace, hope and is the world’s renowned clergy, who fought against world injustices”.
Peters hailed Tutu for the role he played in fighting apartheid, saying: “Under the apartheid regime in South Africa, he campaigned against white minority rule during the years that Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and was awarded the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his work. Even now at the time of his retirement, he continues to dedicate his life to the struggle for human rights and social justice”.
Tutu was receiving treatment for an infection at a Cape Town hospital, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation said on Thursday.
“Tutu will spend a second night in a Cape Town hospital as he continues to receive treatment for a persistent infection,” said the foundation, named after Tutu and his wife Leah.
Tutu’s daughter, Reverend Mpho Tutu, said her father wished to thank everyone who had sent love and prayers since he was admitted in hospital.
The 83-year-old Tutu is fondly referred to as “The Arch” and was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night for treatment of a recurring infection.
ANA