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Happy birthday, Arch!

07 October 2015 | Story by Newsroom
Desmond Tutu, speaking at a seminar hosted by the Department of Religious Studies in August 2014, about religion, ethics and human rights: “During my involvement in the liberation struggle, I had to accept that my role had to be secular. I had to advocate for the rights of every faith and that was the right for everyone to live in harmony in South Africa.”
Desmond Tutu, speaking at a seminar hosted by the Department of Religious Studies in August 2014, about religion, ethics and human rights: “During my involvement in the liberation struggle, I had to accept that my role had to be secular. I had to advocate for the rights of every faith and that was the right for everyone to live in harmony in South Africa.”

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was born on 7 October 1931, turns 84 today.

The man, who once sported a cap that read 'Call me Arch' during anti-apartheid protests, has long held a special place in the hearts of the UCT community.

He not only holds an honorary doctorate from the university, but was also the recipient of the Graça Machel Chancellor's Award for Continental Leadership at UCT in 2011.

In addition, two UCT centres – the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre and the Nansen-Tutu Centre for Marine Environmental Research – bear his name.

Established in 2004, the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre is committed to the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and the prevention of HIV and related infections in southern Africa.

The Nansen-Tutu Centre advances knowledge of the marine environment and the climate system in the name of two Nobel laureates (Tutu being one, and the other being the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen).

Tutu has been battling ill health in the past few months, but his fighting spirit saw him discharged from hospital recently, and tweeting in his own indomitable style.

“I'm getting better – slowly. Not quite ready to help the #Springboks out! One doesn't bounce back so fast at 83-years-old. #TutuYippee,” he tweeted from his official account on 23 September.

Make that 84, dear friend, and warmest birthday wishes from the UCT community.

Read the Varsity write-up.

 

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