President Hage Geingob has extended his condolences to the people of South Africa following the death of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, describing him as a dedicated freedom fighter during the liberation struggle.
Tutu died in Cape Town on Sunday at the age of 90.
In his message issued by the Office of the Presidency on Sunday, Geingob described Tutu as a man of strong conviction and an anti-apartheid icon who stood firm during the liberation struggles of both South Africa and Namibia.
“’The Arch’ as he was affectionately known, symbolised resilience and courage in the face of adversity and optimism during a period of hopelessness. His unrelenting commitment to the universal values of peace, unity, solidarity, freedom and justice for the people of our region triumphed when Namibia gained independence in 1990 and apartheid rule was dismantled in South Africa in 1994,” said Geingob.
President Geingob further said Namibians, and the people of the region, owe Tutu the global figure and exceptional man of God, a huge debt of gratitude for his indelible footprint, especially in the fight for freedom and justice against oppression, racism and white minority rule.
He added that although devastating, the passing of “the last man standing”, Archbishop Tutu is a sharp reminder of the need to continue with his message of holding hands in the pursuit of unity for a better and brighter future for the people of Namibia and the African region.
“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I wish to extend sincere condolences to his wife, Nomalizo Leah Tutu, the children, the entire family and the people of South Africa,” Geingob said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency