Minister Meyer's address at the awarding of honorary citizenship of Swellendam to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Toast delivered by the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer at the awarding of honorary citizenship of Swellendam  to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu on 24 October 2013.

The Executive Mayor of Swellendam

Members of the Mayco

Councillors

Municipal Manager and staff

Ma Leah and honoured guests

Ladies and gentlemen

I would like to pay tribute to a very special person. He has over the years made an immeasurable contribution to the fight against all forms of injustice. Even though he claims to be in retirement, he still continues to speak up on our behalf all whenever he feels that we are being done in. His dedication, his passion and enthusiasm and deep commitment to the teachings of the church and his fellow person has been an example to us all. In fact it this commitment which led to him being awarded (and may I add deservedly so) the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.

He also was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986; the Pacem in Terris Award in 1987; the Sydney Peace Prize in 1999 and the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2007. He is one of the fathers of our democracy. God blessed him abundantly. We are truly blessed to be the beneficiaries of such special talent. Ladies and gentlemen, would you please fill your glasses, rise and let us drink to the health of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate and the newest honorary citizen of Swellendam. To Arch!

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Minister Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za