Tutu honoured as he turns 75

NOBEL peace laureate Desmond Tutu, the conscience of South Africa, turns 75 today — his acerbic tongue and irrepressible humour as sharp as during his anti-apartheid crusades.

Some 1,200 guests — including former President Nelson Mandela — are due to attend a gala dinner in Johannesburg, capping weeks of celebrations in honour of the retired archbishop of Cape Town, or Arch as he is fondly called.

In typical fashion, Dr Tutu has been finding time for ordinary people amid all the festivities. He knocked around a ball at the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town last week and was treated to a rapturous rendition of Happy Birthday just hours ahead of a formal concert.