Cape Town archbishop’s statement following fire at the home of Desmond Tutu

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Archbishop Thabo Makgoba called Archbishop Emeritus Desmond and Mrs Leah Tutu to pray with them today after an early-morning fire destroyed part of their retirement cottage in Hermanus.

The couple are both safe and recovering under the supervision of the staff of the retirement village in which they live.

Dear Holy and Triune God,

May you please look after Mama Leah and Tata. They need you more than ever before during this most vulnerable time of lockdown and COVID-19. We are very grateful that they were not injured in the fire. May you heal them so they overcome the shock and trauma they are facing. We love them and we pray that you will continue to keep them safe at all times. Please give them and the family all the strength that they need at this time, Amen.

9 September 2020

Statement from the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

ARCHBISHOP AND MRS TUTU EXTEND LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO VILLAGE STAFF AND FIRE DEPARTMENT AFTER FIRE DAMAGES THEIR RETIREMENT HOME

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Mrs Leah Tutu have extended their love and gratitude to staff at their retirement village and members of the local fire department after a fire damaged the living area of their cottage in Hermanus, in the Southern Cape.

The couple did not sustain any injuries and were in good spirits considering events that unfolded around daybreak today.

“We cannot thank the staff at the village enough for their kindness and quick action; or members of the fire department, unsung heroes, on whose courage one leans in the most difficult circumstances. God bless them all,” the Tutus said.

The cause of the fire is unknown. It is believed to have been triggered by a faulty gas heater.