Archbishop Desmond Tutu to receive State funeral
The late Archbishop Emeritus is set to receive a State funeral when he is laid to rest on Saturday.
The 90-year-old’s death rocked the world at the start of this week.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the religious leader and activist would be afforded a category 1 State funeral with religious characteristics.
Ramaphosa visited the bereaved Tutu family on Monday afternoon.
Speaking on the sidelines, Ramaphosa told journalists Tutu’s years of hard work in promoting social cohesion had earned him a place in the history books.
Despite the announcement of a State funeral, it’s understood Tutu’s hopes were for a modest send-off.
“This an opportunity to celebrate his life and to try and draw as much as we possibly can from the good things he tried to impart on us,” Ramaphosa said.
“We look forward to putting him to rest on the 1st (January).
"I will be there, and government will follow the lead of the church.
"In all this. We are humbled to be given this opportunity to participate in honouring this man, even as government.”
Global leaders and South Africans across the country are expected to descend on Cape Town at the weekend to celebrate the life and times of a man described as a mentor and moral compass.
Ramaphosa said that they cannot speculate over any high-profile international guests attending the funeral.
“As you well know, international flights are being cancelled left, right and centre," Ramaphosa said
“We are living through a very difficult time.
"We would have wanted to give him a good send-off but we are where we are.”
A number of memorial services have been lined up at various churches across the country throughout the week.
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