With a memorial mass and lecture in the Memorial Chapel, The St John’s Community kicked off Habits of the Heart V, a series of events celebrating the life and legacy of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

On October 2, The Most Reverend Dr Thabo Cecil Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, led a moving Tutu memorial lecture and chapel service. His words invited a reflection on Tutu’s courage, joy, and moral conviction, inspiring all to live with the same spirit.

Read more: St John’s College honours life and lessons of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

The association between the late Tutu and St John’s College, finds its origins in their mutual links with the Community of the Resurrection. The monastic order of the Church of England priests and lay brothers initially sent some of its members to Johannesburg in 1903, to undertake mission work among African workers employed on the gold mines.

The Community soon expanded its presence on the Witwatersrand, becoming involved in a range of other social projects.

In 1904, the Community established St Peter’s Theological College, in Rosettenville, as a seminary for training aspirant black Anglican clergymen.

In 1906, the Community took charge of St John’s College.

The Heart-to-Heart Conversations Over Dinner took place on October 7.

It was an evening of engaging dialogue with broadcaster Dan Corder, creator Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa, Olympic athlete Geraldine Pillay, James Urdang, of Education Africa, Lindiwe Dlamini, of Roedean School SA, St John’s executive headmaster Stuart West, and psychologist Erick Kabongo. The Tutu 7km Walk through Houghton, Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville, will be the last event to honour the late Archbishop.

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