Tutu's sister Gloria Radebe describes him as quiet, respectful and hardworking

So striking was the resemblance between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his younger sister Gloria Radebe, the two could have been mistaken for twins. 

In an interview with Sowetan in September 2016 when her global renowned brother had just been discharged from hospital, Radebe described him as quiet and respectful. 

Tutu died in his home in Cape Town in the Western Cape on Sunday.

“Boy was quiet, respecting and hardworking when we grew up. I have many many memories of him since we grew together,” she said.

“Our father was a teacher and back then teachers were deployed in many areas. We travelled and stayed in many areas including Boksburg, Klerksdorp, Ventersdorp and Munsieville where we permanently settled.” 

Radebe said Tutu was their mother’s favourite.

“Our father was very strict and Boy was our mother's favourite and she would always protect him. I remember when we were young, our father didn't want  us to eat at other people's homes and one day, we ate at a certain house.

“My father arrived and asked if we have eaten and the owner of the house honestly replied that he had fed us, oblivious that my father didn’t like that. All hell broke loose,” she said with a smile.

“What more can I say about Boy? You, Journalist, you ask many questions and I have so many memories of my brother. What a wonderful gentleman he is,” she said.

Radebe expressed concerns at that and at her brother’s ailing health.

“He has been out of hospital and it is not a good feeling to us especially those who know Boy personally. I have just recently spoken to him telephonically and he was in good spirits. 

The outspoken sibling said Tutu was the only living brother she had.

The two have a sister Sylvia Morrison who had recently turned 90 years old. Two other brothers, Thamsanqa and Sipho, had since passed away a while ago, she said.

Radebe said Tutu is a man who upholds morals.

“He always preaches about love. He often asks people to love one another no matter the situation. I  am not praising my brother. He is such a good man. He can't choose who he loves.

“Boy accommodates everybody and is willing to forgive. He fought against apartheid and is not afraid of anyone. One thing that hurt me today is that the ANC does not love him and recognise his contribution anymore. He fought for this country.

“Because of the sanctions that were imposed on this country, we are freed and Boy fought hard to have this country free from apartheid. Whites were afraid of him. I love my brother and he knows that,” she said.