A ceremony was organised in the Gaza Strip on Monday to commemorate South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Desmond Tutu, Anadolu News Agency reports..
Organised by the Council of International Relations, a Gaza-based NGO, the ceremony was attended by a host of Palestinian and South African figures, including South Africa’s Ambassador, Shaun Edward Byneveldt.
Addressing the event via video-conference, Byneveldt said South Africa will continue to support the oppressed people living under occupation.
“Tutu was a spiritual leader who stood up against oppression and who campaigned for justice, equality and humanity,” he added.
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Bassem Naim, the Head of the Council of International Relations, said Tutu was the first figure to accuse Israel of pursuing a policy of apartheid against the Palestinians in 2002.
A meeting hall in Gaza was named after Tutu in recognition of his support to the Palestinian people, according to the Gaza Municipality Mayor, Yahya El-Sarraj.
In 2009, Tutu joined a delegation of the international NGO “the Elders” on a visit to Israel and occupied Palestinian territories to advocate for peace.
Tutu passed away at the age of 90 on 26 December, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of anti-apartheid struggle and fight for peace.