Faith Nyasuguta
In a significant act of solidarity, a statue of Archbishop Desmond Tutu adorned with a distinctive Palestinian-African scarf was unveiled at the Old Granary building in Cape Town.
Positioned on the balcony of the soon-to-be-renamed Desmond and Leah Tutu House on Buitenkant Street, the statue received its official unveiling on a noteworthy Friday.
The event gathered influential figures such as Mamphela Ramphele, Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Trust, Janet Jobson, CEO of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the shared commitment to the cause.
Janet Jobson emphasized that the installation of the statue marked an ongoing protest against Israel’s war on Gaza, seeking to raise awareness and express solidarity with the affected population.
The symbolic gesture extends beyond the mere unveiling, with the statue wearing a Palestinian scarf, specifically designed for the African continent and recognized as the Mandela flag. Notably, this scarf is produced in a factory located in Gaza.
The statue is prominently positioned at the foundation’s headquarters, the Desmond and Leah Tutu House, and is intended to remain there until a ceasefire is achieved in the three-month-long conflict. This demonstration of solidarity aligns with the foundation’s commitment to advocate for peace and justice globally.
Desmond Tutu, a revered figure in the fight against apartheid and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, continues to be an influential voice for human rights and justice.
The incorporation of the Palestinian scarf serves as a visual testament to the foundation’s stance on the ongoing crisis and its dedication to standing firmly with the people of Gaza.
This initiative not only pays homage to Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s legacy but also highlights the intersectionality of struggles against oppression, uniting the narratives of African liberation and Palestinian resilience.
The symbolic Mandela flag, woven in Gaza, encapsulates the intertwining of historical struggles and collective aspirations for a more just and peaceful world.
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