Desmond Tutu turns 80
South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu turned 80 yesterday, 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, fearing China.
Despite the setback, tributes came in early yesterday for the man known fondly as "the people's priest" and hailed for his fight for human rights.
In a birthday message, the US 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."
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