South Africa's Desmond Tutu turns 80

  • 13 years ago
Signature dance moves from a joyful Desmond Tutu during celebrations for his 80th birthday in South Africa.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Archbishop was at Cape Town's historic St George's Cathedral for an official thanksgiving service to mark his birthday.
Earlier, an at times emotional Tutu thanked the congregation and paid tribute to his wife of 56 years.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU SAYING:
"Thank you, thank you, all of you, thank you for all. Thank you, thank you for being you. She's wonderful in affirming me. She just recently put up a poster which she put under the television which said 'You are entitled to your wrong opinion.'"
Guests included Graca Machel, wife of former president Nelson Mandela - who was not present - and officials from the African National Congress-led government, despite Tutu's scathing criticism of them last week.
The Dalai Lama was forced to cancel a trip to attend after not being issued with a South African visa in time.
A private party was to be held later on Friday.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters

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