THERE are not many people who can question President Nelson Mandela’s moral authority. There are not many who have the credibility and authority to stand up to him. Indeed, there are not many who would have the courage to try. This week’s crisis over Nigeria threw the spotlight on one of the very few people who can — and does: Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
It is not just a question of moral standing. Tutu is also respected for his political acumen. He was one of the few people in this country who had the wisdom to read the Nigerian situation correctly, and the foresight to be calling for tougher action from some time back. That’s not to say he always gets it right. Look how off beam he was on the question of Mandela’s shirts. But he is usually witty enough to get away with it.
He is due to retire next year, and take up a quiet post in Atlanta. We’ll miss him sorely.