Cape Town - Somerset Road was a blur of purple on Wednesday as hundreds of people spent their Day of Reconciliation marching in honour of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah.
The atmosphere was light and festive, with many making it a family affair, bringing their kids along to participate.
The march started at Prestwich Memorial, with people painting their messages of support for the Tutus in purple paint.
The theme was “Purple”, an acronym for prayer, unity, reconciliation, peace, love and equality. Marchers carried posters with slogans such as “March for the Arch” and “Good is stronger than evil”.
The march was supported by many, despite the strong support shown for the #ZumaMustFall anti-corruption protest taking place at the same time outside Parliament and in the Company’s Garden.
Lindiwe Marepula said she decided to attend the march for Tutu instead of the gathering at Parliament.
“I am very heartsore about the corruption in our government but I came here because the Arch is a symbol of love, hope and peace.
“If we hold on to those ideals, I believe a great deal of our problems can be solved.
“He is a great man.”
Led by mayor Patricia de Lille, marchers walked down Somerset Road to Cape Town Stadium, with many people in buildings along the route leaning out to cheer.
Limited Edition, a percussion band from Manenberg, also joined the front of the march, creating an upbeat and celebratory atmosphere.
Speaking to the crowd at the stadium’s forecourt, De Lille said the Tutus represented everything that South Africa should be striving for.
“Our history has proven that even one of the greatest forms of oppression can be overcome through unity, forgiveness, compassion and activism.
“Two of the most prominent voices advocating for these values is that of the Arch and mama Leah.”
Protesters who had gathered outside Parliament earlier in the morning, later joined the Purple crowd.
From the stage, the Tutus looked on, smiling, as purple confetti blasted into the crowd.
Their daughter, Reverend Mpho Tutu, thanked the crowd on behalf of her parents, and said how much it meant to her that so many people came out on their day off to celebrate her parents.
“I was so overwhelmed by the number of displays of love and affection for my parents here today. It is this love that sustained them both through the many years of struggle and activism.”
The marchers were later treated to several musical performances by the Soweto String Quartet and Jimmy Dludlu, among others.
Cape Argus