5 October 2011
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu
Dear Arch
On behalf of all of us at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, we would like to wish you a very happy birthday. As you turn 80, you are among the few who can truly claim to embody the words of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore (if you were immodest enough!):
I SLEPT, and dreamt that life was joy; I WOKE, and saw that life was duty; I ACTED, and behold – duty was joy.
We echo those words: you have always acted with true conviction and according to your principles, even though you often suffered as a consequence; yours will not be legacy of shadow but light.
About the only serious point of disagreement we think you may have had with our Founder, Nelson Mandela, is captured in what he said at your 75th birthday celebrations – I know that you have sometimes allowed (your) conscience to lead you a bit astray as, for example, when you ventured moral judgments on the clothing habits of others while you yourself were going around in a frock. But we can forgive you these lapses; it only proves that even priests are not perfect.
Once more, enjoy your birthday, as Madiba also said on your 75th: Happy birthday, Mpilo. Continue to be our voice of conscience.
Warm regards
Professor GJ Gerwel
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
Download the official letter here.