By Nqobile Dludla

JOHANNESBURG – On Wednesday night, mourners held a candlelight service of prayer outside of the Soweto residence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This was in an effort to remember a world-famous lion of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and a loving neighbour.

Tutu died on Sunday at the age of 90. His longtime residence was on the same street in township that Nelson Mandela lived on. There, residents are proud to have been the only ones in the world who grew up alongside two Nobel Peace Prize recipients as neighbours.

Father Tutu, Mom Tutu would bring food for the grandmothers every December. He loved to take care of the elderly. Losing someone like him can be very difficult. Nkele Tshakela, standing beside mourners on the streets, said that they were “filled with tears”.

Tourists are drawn to the vibrant culture of Vilakazi Street. However, there was a sad mood on Vilakazi Street as mourners laid wreaths outside Tutu’s house and sang gospel songs. The Mayor of Johannesburg and bishops of the Anglican church lit candles.

Mpho Phalatse of Johannesburg said Tutu was a servant leader who did not want personal gain. His affectionate smile and love were remembered by Bishop Steve Moreo from the Anglican Diocesan of Johannesburg.

Tutu’s burial will be at Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral. It is there that he led marching campaigns against apartheid and led marches from the front.

On Wednesday night, Cape Town planned to hold a tribute in its city hall. This event would be attended by Tutu’s family and foundation, as well as members from various religions and tribes.

Following Saturday’s funeral ceremony, Tutu’s ashes are to be cremated. His ashes will then be interred underneath the St George’s cathedral floor. Father Michael Weeder told Reuters that Tutu’s ashes would also go under the St George’s cathedral’s floor. He pointed down at a set of orange tiles that was aligned and paired with the cross hanging at the rear of the cathedral.

Asking him about Tutu’s final memory, Weeder sobbed and stated: “The truth that he was a Catholic, the Eucharist on Christmas, and Archbishop Thabo Makgoba would tell him a few more times that he’d say, ‘kealeboga. kealeboga (thank you), repeatedly.”

“So, I think that we will always remember that he died a happy passing and I’m grateful for that.”