Tutu, an anti-apartheid hero, who had battled prostate cancer for a decade, died in Cape Town on Sunday, December 26, 2021.
A civic group, the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) has described the late South African Noble Peace Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu as an iconic democrat and peacebuilder.
Tutu, an anti-apartheid hero, who had battled prostate cancer for a decade, died in Cape Town on Sunday, December 26, 2021.
CDD described Tutu as "one of Africa's leading policy think tanks."
The group said Tutu's contribution to ending apartheid in South Africa and entrenching one of Africa's thriving democracies would never be forgotten.
It said this in a statement signed by its Director, Idayat Hassan, which was made available to SaharaReporters on Monday.
It read, "CDD recalled the courageous role played by Tutu in mobilising global opposition to the dark regime in South Africa.
"As a Christian minister, Tutu believed in one humanity and a just and free world."
CDD also reminisced the heroic role played by the late cleric in bridging the gaps of division between Nigeria and his country, particularly with the recurring xenophobic attacks.
"We could vividly recall how he stood tall in defence of Africa's unity, calling for love, peace, and renewed friendship amongst Africans during the apartheid regime and until the end of his life.
"Without a doubt, Desmond Tutu's death is a huge loss to his country and the African continent.
"With his demise, Tutu has transitioned to the ancestral plain, joining his contemporaries, including Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, Steve Biko, Victoria and Griffiths Mxenge, Denis Goldberg, etc., who stood in fearless resistance to hate and oppression.
"South Africa, Africa, and the world will miss this unrivalled humanist, emancipator, and democrat. While we mourn this icon, we take solace in the indelible legacy of love he has left behind," the statement said.