Graça Machel bids farewell to 'loyal friend' Desmond Tutu

The 90-year-old Tutu died on Sunday at a frail-care centre in Cape Town. He had pancreatic cancer. 

Machel says she's lost a 'loyal friend' and a spiritual leader. 

"Angels and God were waiting for this time to put the crown on your head so we happy for you. Go and rest. 

We will see how we are going to comfort Leah and we'll see how we going to gather the best of South Africa to make it work the country of your dreams. 

 Machel expressed deep sadness at the loss of a close friend.

“Arch is the last of an extraordinarily outstanding generation of leaders that Africa birthed and gifted to the world,” Machel said in a statement. 

READ: Funeral for Archbishop Tutu to be held Saturday

Machel hailed Tutu for remaining steadfast in the fight against injustices across the board.

“Every sentence he spoke impacted the lives of millions, and both unified and empowered those in the noble struggle against Apartheid. How momentous a weight this must have been to shoulder?

“And yet he stood resolute and fearless, leading demonstrations cloaked in his flowing clerical robe with his cross as his shield - the embodiment of humankind’s moral conscience.”

Machel urged the youth to follow in the Arch’s footsteps.

“To the young generations of South Africa, Southern Africa, and Africa – it is in your hands now to cultivate your own outstanding leadership to meet the challenges of your time. You have your own historic mission at hand. Take inspiration from Arch’s life to carve out your own legacy,” she said.

Tutu's funeral will be held at 10am on Saturday at the St. Georges Cathedral in Cape Town.

Listen to the full tribute here: