DURBAN - The Daily News took to the streets to hear what impact Archbishop Desmond Tutu had on ordinary Durbanites and how they felt about his death.
Man of integrity and ambassador of peace
“Desmond Tutu was a man of integrity. He was fearless in his stand for what was right. He was an ambassador of peace in times of turmoil.”
‘Always preaching peace and unity’
“Mr Desmond Tutu really took over the role that late former president Nelson Mandela played as the father of our nation. He led with a beautiful example. Always preaching peace and unity. Legends like Mr Tutu come once in a life time. May his soul rest in peace.”
He helped shape our democracy
“Desmond Tutu played a big role in the peace and unity in South-Africa today. It was through people like Tutu that we are experiencing true democracy. Archbishop Tutu really left a mark and truly made a big positive difference in South Africa. I honestly do not know who is capable enough to fill such big shoes.”
‘We could all take a leaf out of his book’
“Desmond Tutu’s heart was about bringing people together to create a society that spoke to peace, love and forgiveness. He was unflinching in his stance of reconciliation and justice. We could all take a leaf out of his book in terms of striving towards fighting the good fight irrespective of the costs. He was a true hero who walked the road he preached.”
‘He spoke a message filled with hope’
“Desmond Tutu was a man of stature and strength who used his wisdom and quest for justice and reconciliation to stand up against injustice and the atrocities of apartheid. He will also be remembered for speaking truth to power unapologetically and being a moral compass without fear or favour. He was not afraid to stand in the face of adversity and allowed his charismatic, energy-fuelled drive and passion to speak a message filled with hope and unity to each person irrespective of race, colour and creed in South Africa.”
‘Truly a ray of light to the world’
“Although we never knew the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu personally, for us, whenever we saw him in the media, it always felt like seeing our own grandfather. He was for us an example of how God expects his children to handle themselves and how to deal with people we come into contact with. Truly a ray of light to the world. We pray that the Father holds those family members he has left behind tightly in his hands and be the source of comfort they require. Rest In Peace.”
He brought a smile to people’s faces
“The Archbishop is probably the biggest legend to come out of South Africa. I love the fact that he always brought a smile to people’s faces. We are going to miss him dearly.”
Daily News