Tutu puts his foot down – this time in cement
Archbishop Desmond Tutu had before put his foot down for he believed was right - but this time he did it in the literal sense.
When Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu wrote his name next to his footprint in the cement at Maropeng, he quipped: “God created a few perfect people. The rest He made right handed!”
He laughed characteristically as he continued writing his name – with his left hand.
For Archbishop Tutu, the entire day revolved around creation, and how wonderful the Creator must be.
Tutu visited the Cradle of Humankind to imprint his footprint: a celebration of the common ancestry of all people alive today for the Cradle of Humankind Heritage Site.
He first arrived at the Sterkfontein Caves, where he was taken on a tour about the history of mankind.
Afterwards he moved to Maropeng where his foot was imprinted into the cement.
Professor Lee Berger from the Institute of Human Evolution at Wits University gave special thanks to Tutu, saying Tutu taught the world of the commonality of humankind.
“In history you have put your foot down for what you believe is right. Now today we are asking you to do the same again.
“There is no-one more deserving of putting his footprint here. You showed us that we are all the same.
“That we all belong to the same group. You actually did the scientists’ work for them. And you also held out your hand to us scientists, who often seem to be on the opposite side of religion,” said Berger.
Tutu was amazed by the information he obtained while on the tour.
“There is a sense of wonder that God gave us the ability to look back. And as a believer, I cannot help but think if the creature is so wonderful, how wonderful must the Creator not be?
Everybody must come and see how wonderful this is.”
He added, “And you know, God has a sense of humour.
This is the greatest joke: people don’t know they are all African!”
