Cyril Ramaphosa Orders Period of Mourning for Tutu, Flag to Fly at Half Mast: 'He's Worth It'

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a period of national mourning in the wake of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu's passing
• Ramaphosa, who described Tutu as one of the nation's finest patriots, said the South African flag will fly at half-mast at all flag stations
• The details of Tutu's memorial service will be announced in the coming days, with the Anglican Church set to be in charge of all the logistics

CAPE TOWN - In honour of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the national government has pronounced a national period of mourning in which time the national flag will be flown at half-mast.

Shockwaves were sent across the country on Sunday, one day after Christmas, as the country learnt of its last surviving Nobel Peace Prize laureate's passing. In a statement released by the Presidency, Ramaphosa described Tutu, who reportedly died in Cape Town at the age of 90, as one of "the nation's finest patriots".

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"He was a man of unwavering courage, principled conviction, and who spent his life serving others. He captured the essence of what it means to be human. The knowledge that he was sick for some time does little to lessen the blow," said Ramaphosa.

He hailed Tutu for compassionately carrying the burden of leadership, his dignity, humility, and, perhaps most strikingly, a good sense of humour, News24 reported. Ramaphosa, noting the South African flag will fly at half-mast at all flag stations, tipped a hat to the fallen religious figure for the vast number of lives he touched.

Stern, robust and reconciliatory

Tutu, at the behest of former President Nelson Mandela, was in 1995 appointed as the chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a court-like body established by the then-new government to bring about restoration and reconciliation by uncovering the extent of the violations that occurred during apartheid.

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Affectionately known as "The Arch", Tutu had always been able to pull at the heartstrings of the world. However, it was while he chaired the TRC that the world got to see The Arch break down in tears while hearing of these atrocities, IOL reported.

"We get comfort from knowing that he left a lasting mark in the lives of the millions of people. Both those who were privileged enough to know him and know about him. There will be a mourning period and, the flag will be flown at half-mast at all flag stations across the country and diplomatic missions abroad," added Ramaphosa.

Details of Tutu's memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days, with the government saying it will be led by the Anglican Church on the nature and logistics of the funeral.

Polarising views on Tutu's legacy

On social media, the messages continue to pour in from South Africans from all walks of life as they react to The Arch's passing. Naturally, as with any well-known figure, there were many polarising views expressed online.

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Briefly News takes a look at some of the loudest reactions below.

@Tonic Da Tune wrote:

"He's worth it. That's the least we can do for him."

@Logan Nair said:

"The ANC and the Honourable Bishop are like oil and water. Out of respect for all that the Arch represents, the ANC must stay as far away as possible from the events honouring the dear departed. Please."

@Mazibuko Nhlanhla added:

"It's business as usual for me. Why would I mourn for someone I don't even know. Let those who are close to him mourn, I also mourn for those who are close to me. Finish!!"

Rasta arrives in CPT with painting of ex-President FW de Klerk

Elsewhere, Briefly News previously reported that Rasta The Artist seized the opportunity to honour the last of South Africa's apartheid presidents, FW de Klerk, by flying to Cape Town to deliver a portrait of the former statesman.

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At the time, the FW de Klerk Foundation confirmed that de Klerk, who died at his home in Fresnaye on Thursday, 11 November, was diagnosed with cancer in March this year.

Briefly News previously reported that Ramaphosa declared four days of national mourning, with the national flag subsequently ordered to be flown at half-mast. De Klerk was laid to rest in a private ceremony at an undisclosed location on Sunday, 28 November.

Source: Briefly News