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Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s ashes came back to his childhood home in Munsieville on Wednesday without much fanfare and VIP status attached to the homecoming ceremony, much like the anti-apartheid icon had lived his life.
Tutu was a servant leader, not one after status and material wealth, as symbolised by the simple church ceremony attended by his wife, Leah, daughters Nontombi and Mpho, children and grandchildren, his only surviving sister, Gloria Radebe, and a few select guests.
READ: Desmond Tutu's ashes finally come home
A year after his passing, Tutu’s family arranged a private affair where family members and a few guests were allowed to go to the nearby Munsieville cemetery after the church service.
This is where Tutu grew up since his family moved to the township when he was 12 and it is where his parents are resting. An intimate ceremony was held at the local cemetery to reunite Tutu with his mother, Aletta.
On Wednesday, the humble church hosted the Tutu family for the homecoming reception of his ashes in a eucharist service by several top priests in the Anglican Church, including deans of the province and city, Stephen Diseko and Xolani Dlwathi.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate died on December 26 last year and the family symbolically held a Mass in his honour to mark the end of their mourning period and to celebrate his life in his childhood home.
The struggle icon was cremated on January 1 and his ashes were interred at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. But, some of his ashes were finally returned on Wednesday to Munsieville.
Said Nontombi:
“Daddy loved this community, and it is fitting that we are here. Church is so much who we are. We could not do this memorial without including this community.”
Tutu’s daughter said there were many Desmond Tutus in communities who have taken over the baton from her father by serving people.
She paid homage to ordinary kasi heroes and servants, such as the Gift of the Givers, who were always there for communities in need: “All we need is some more shoulders to lift them so that they are seen more clearly.”
Bam said as spiritual leaders, Tutu and his wife played a crucial role in sustaining many struggle veterans, and they also played a role in keeping the hope of many South Africans alive.
READ: Even in heaven Tutu might just protest
She said she was at the ceremony to celebrate having seen freedom in our lifetime through the services of people such as the Tutu family.
Seroke reminded us that their presence was to acknowledge their knowledge and experience of South Africa’s ugly past, as she paid homage to Leah who she said was an activist in her own right.
On how Tutu’s legacy is influencing current politics, she said South Africans (leaders) have lost their way as many chased material wealth and were not prioritising serving people.
“We have lost the values of ubuntu (that Tutu stood for), and we need to re-establish those values again as a nation,” said Ramphele.
