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Desmond Tutu marks 80th birthday events with dance and music
Desmond Tutu marks 80th birthday events with dance and music
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 7:06 AM EST, Fri October 7, 2011
Archbishop Desmond Tutu -- known as "the people's priest" -- seen here in New York on September 21, turned 80 on Friday.
Johannesburg (CNN) -- South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu turned 80 on Friday, days after a spat with the government over a visa delay that forced the Dalai Lama to cancel a trip to the nation.
A day before his birthday, Tutu danced with the Soweto Gospel Choir during a church celebration to mark his birthday.
Music and laughter rang out in the cathedral during the event attended by Irish rocker Bono of U2.
Celebration events come the same week the Dalai Lama scrapped his planned visit after the nation failed to issue him a visa in time.
Tutu lashed out at the government Tuesday, saying it had forgotten what the nation stood for.
Desmond Tutu celebrates 80th birthday
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The 'People's Priest' turns 80
Dalai Lama sparks outrage in S. Africa
"When we used to apply for passports under the apartheid government, we never knew until the last moment what their decision was," Tutu said at a news conference. "Our government is worse than the apartheid government because at least you were expecting it from the apartheid government.
The Dalai Lama had been invited to the country to receive a peace award and speak at various events, including a lecture in honor of Tutu's birthday. Tutu and the Dalai Lama are recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
South Africa denies it was under pressure from China, a major trade partner. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and the nation pressures governments worldwide to deny him any legitimacy.
Despite the setback, tributes came in early Friday for the man known fondly as "the people's priest" and hailed for his fight for human rights.
In a birthday message, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa said he "continues to provide a moral voice for the voiceless."
"We congratulate Archbishop Desmond Tutu ... and join South Africa and the global community in honoring a man who is recognized for his fearlessness in speaking truth to power," the embassy in Pretoria said in a statement.
"From his work against apartheid in South Africa, to his championing of democracy, freedom and human rights, and advocacy for those still living under the scourge of homophobia, racism or xenophobia, Archbishop Tutu has served as the vocal conscience of a generation."
This is not the first time the Dalai Lama has not been able to visit South Africa.
Two years ago, South Africa refused the Tibetan spiritual leader a visa to attend an international peace conference, saying it was not in the country's interest for him to attend.
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 7:06 AM EST, Fri October 7, 2011
Archbishop Desmond Tutu -- known as "the people's priest" -- seen here in New York on September 21, turned 80 on Friday.
Johannesburg (CNN) -- South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu turned 80 on Friday, days after a spat with the government over a visa delay that forced the Dalai Lama to cancel a trip to the nation.
A day before his birthday, Tutu danced with the Soweto Gospel Choir during a church celebration to mark his birthday.
Music and laughter rang out in the cathedral during the event attended by Irish rocker Bono of U2.
Celebration events come the same week the Dalai Lama scrapped his planned visit after the nation failed to issue him a visa in time.
Tutu lashed out at the government Tuesday, saying it had forgotten what the nation stood for.
Desmond Tutu celebrates 80th birthday 80 years of Desmond Tutu
The 'People's Priest' turns 80
Dalai Lama sparks outrage in S. Africa
"When we used to apply for passports under the apartheid government, we never knew until the last moment what their decision was," Tutu said at a news conference. "Our government is worse than the apartheid government because at least you were expecting it from the apartheid government.
The Dalai Lama had been invited to the country to receive a peace award and speak at various events, including a lecture in honor of Tutu's birthday. Tutu and the Dalai Lama are recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
South Africa denies it was under pressure from China, a major trade partner. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and the nation pressures governments worldwide to deny him any legitimacy.
Despite the setback, tributes came in early Friday for the man known fondly as "the people's priest" and hailed for his fight for human rights.
In a birthday message, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa said he "continues to provide a moral voice for the voiceless."
"We congratulate Archbishop Desmond Tutu ... and join South Africa and the global community in honoring a man who is recognized for his fearlessness in speaking truth to power," the embassy in Pretoria said in a statement.
"From his work against apartheid in South Africa, to his championing of democracy, freedom and human rights, and advocacy for those still living under the scourge of homophobia, racism or xenophobia, Archbishop Tutu has served as the vocal conscience of a generation."
This is not the first time the Dalai Lama has not been able to visit South Africa.
Two years ago, South Africa refused the Tibetan spiritual leader a visa to attend an international peace conference, saying it was not in the country's interest for him to attend.
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