Desmond Tutu

In 2003 Andy, Annie, George and Matthew Kirk, Simon ‘Clippie’ Davies and Simon ‘Norm’ Green-Price had the incredible pleasure and good fortune to meet Desmond Tutu. We took along with us to the meeting a couple of senior SARFU officials who also wanted the opportunity to meet an iconic man.

The meeting took place at the Archbishops unbelievably modest 2nd storey office on a small business park in Cape Town.

Desmond Tutu is a small mn in stature but one whose presence fills a room. He had a keen interest in the Boots for All Project and a keen sense of humour. He wished us the best of luck and gave his total support for the project. He also told us a little story about the Rugby World Cup final of 1995.

“A lot of people don’t know this but before the 1995 final, which we won, the Springboks presented two shirts. The one every ones knows about is the famous number 6 shirt that Nelson Mandela was seen wearing on TV as he was introduced to the teams. What people don’t know is that the second shirt was presented to me. What number do you think they put on the back of my shirt? 22, 2 2.”

This caused the Archbishop to chortle away, and we had a very pleasant 30 minutes with him. Following handshakes all round we left the Archbishop inspired. Norm believed that he now had a mission to go and bless people so didn't wash his hand for a week!