THE African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has expressed sadness over the passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
Similarly, Oxfam International says it is united grief with the family of the iconic anti-apartheid crusader and the people of South Africa.
ITUC-Africa, with headquarters in Lomé, Republic of Togo, is a pan-African trade union organisation with 17 million declared members and 101 affiliated trade union centres in 51 African countries.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, ITUC-Africa extolled Tutu for his impactful interventions in Africa and global affairs, particularly his moral voice against injustice and oppression.
Declaring that the “Iroko tree has fallen, Africa’s moral voice is gone!” Comrade Adu-Amankwah stated that Archbishop Tutu’s death represents another loss in the passing of the generation of gallant soldiers who relentlessly fought for social justice, human rights, freedom, peace and security for all.
Adu-Amankwah condoled the late icon’s wife, Mam Leah Tutu, the entire Tutu family, the board and staff of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the government, workers and people of South Africa, the Elders and Nobel Laureate Group and his friends, comrades and associates nationally and globally.
Entitled: “Africa’s Moral Voice is Gone: African Workers Mourn the Passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu,” the statement further reads:
“During the darkest years of Apartheid in South Africa, Tutu’s was the voice that courageously called out the evil regime. When most of the ANC leaders were incarcerated, it was left for Tutu and others to campaign for their release and the end to apartheid. It was his “clear views and fearless stance”, which made him a “unifying symbol for all African freedom fighters”.
“An icon for racial justice, Tutu was the first, after Apartheid was defeated, to call for reconciliation in the new democratic dispensation. He understood the symbolism, virtue and value of forgiveness to national regeneration and nation-building. This understanding was built on the immutable fact that eternal enmity does not have a place in progressive society and that forgiveness should be a virtue that humanity should consciously and genuinely embrace and sustain.
“His life, philosophies and essences glowingly radiate what selflessness, courage and Ubuntu mean. As African workers, we were and will continue to be inspired by these values, his struggles and fine personality. We commit to further the struggle for social justice so that the service and sacrifices of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his other fallen comrades and our forebears will not be in vain.
“We thank him for bequeathing us with the values of Ubuntu, respect for human dignity, racial equality and undying commitment to social justice. We shall forever cherish these values.”
Oxfam United in Grief
On its part, Oxfam International said it is united in grief with deepest condolences to the Archbishop’s wife, Leah, their children and grandchildren just as it also expressed condolences to the entire people of South Africa.
In a statement signed by Gabriela Bucher, Executive Director of Oxfam International, the organisation further stated: “All of Oxfam Rarely does a name inspire so much courage as that of Archbishop Tutu. The flame that Archbishop Tutu carried against injustice lit a million more. The world is a better place because of him.
“Archbishop Tutu was Oxfam’s former global ambassador – raising global attention and tackling issues with us, from global hunger to the climate crisis. He was a friend, and a critical friend when needed. Most recently he gave his support to tackling the issue of global vaccine inequality.
“Oxfam’s own role in supporting the anti-apartheid movement forged our own connection with his generation of leaders, who continue to inspire us today. Oxfam will play its part in preserving his legacy by continuing the struggles that he fought for throughout his life.”
