Cape Town - The African National Congress (ANC) has sent their good wishes to Archbishop Desmond Tutu on his 85th birthday, party spokeswoman, Zizi Kodwa said in a statement on Friday.
The ANC said that they were grateful to be blessed with the presence of a holy man with strong convictions and both a brave and critical voice. “We celebrate the Arch knowing that he has never been a bystander to history, but dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa, in particular; leading tirelessly from the front for the liberation of our country and the arduous process of building a common nationhood, which he endearingly dubbed the Rainbow Nation,” said Kodwa.
They wished him an even longer life so that he may continue to see improvements in the lives of the black majority to whom he has dedicated his life to helping break the chains of the oppressive yoke of apartheid. Kodwa further added: “He remains today the towering moral conscience, never hesitating to speak frankly where he sees shortcomings, with an unwavering commitment to justice that should inspire all of us to do even more in service of our fellow man. His life is the epitome of compassion, service, and reconciliation that we should all seek to emulate.”
Quoting the Archbishop, Kodwa said: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness,” and added that may these be the words that forever rang true when self-doubt sank in as South Africans sought to collectively build an even better country.
African News Agency