Tutu used his education to spread mission against injustice worldwide

The death of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu on the Day of Goodwill marked the sad end of an era of political and social activism in SA.

The Arch, as he was popularly known, served his country with distinction through the difficult years of apartheid oppression and the democratic era. His has always been a voice of morality motivated by the quest to do good for humanity. He defied apartheid by fighting for its demise and was equally scathing towards the current rulers when the situation demanded.

He typified the best of humanity and lived his life to the fullest in keeping with his middle name, which means life. It was only apt that he departed this world on the Day of Goodwill of which he had in abundance.

SA has been left poorer with his passing but with his every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched and empowered us, we are encouraged to emulate his example.

Since his death, wordsmiths have been paying moving tributes to this great son of the soil. President Cyril Ramaphosa led this chorus of praise by stating that “Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead”.

The president also said Tutu had placed his extensive academic achievements at the service of the cause for social and economic justice the world over. “From the pavements of resistance in South Africa to the pulpits of the world’s greatest cathedrals and places of worship, and the prestigious setting of the Noble peace prize ceremony, the Arch distinguished himself as a non-sectarian, inclusive champion of universal human rights.”

Tutu considered education as a pathway to societal ennoblement as articulated through his own academic journey. He quit a teaching career in protest against the Bantu Education Act and branched into theology where he made a global mark as an Anglican priest. He went on to receive his master’s in theology in 1966 at London’s King’s College.

In 1993 Tutu received an honorary doctorate from Wits where he was described as “humanitarian and an honourable leader who always fought for social justice”. He also received an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University where he was patron of the Desmond Tutu TB Centre.

Tutu was described as a guide by the University of the Western Cape where he served as a chancellor for 25 years. “He taught us all that we can only be true to ourselves if we help others be their true selves and that justice, truth and forgiveness can work together for a better world. His passing leaves a hole in the soul of our nation, and I hope we all do our part to try to fill it,” said Professor Tyrone Pretorius, UWC rector and vice-chancellor.

I am reminded of this Chinese proverb, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. For a day, go fishing. A month, get married. A year, inherit a fortune. But if you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.”

The Arch helped humanity and indeed made an indelible mark as testimony that he left this world a better place to what he found. Tutu lived a life of service to humanity.

Addressing the University of Fort Hare as SRC president in 1949, the late founding president of the PAC, Mangaliso Sobukwe, had this to say: “Education to us means service to Africa. You have a mission; we all have a mission. A nation to build we have, a God to glorify, a contribution clear to make to mankind. We must be the embodiment of our people’s aspirations. And all we are required to do is to show the light and the masses will find the way.”

Tutu has shown the light to the people of SA through his selfless service. His life should be celebrated through the continuation of the fight against all forms of injustices such as poverty, corruption and crime.

The Arch taught humanity the centrality of service in the quest for justice and peace. In the words of 2 Timothy 4:7, the Arch has fought a good fight, he has kept the faith.

Farewell Arch, you will be fondly remembered.

Phumula Nkalakatha.