Tutu officially retires, aged 79

Nobel peace-prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu officially began his retirement on Thursday, on his 79th birthday.Known for his work against apartheid and for human rights, Tutu leaves behind a rich legacy.

Reuters

He later led the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, uncovering the horrors of apartheid-era abuses.

South African Tutu is currently in Cape Town, where he will embark on a five-month voyage around the world, lecturing the 600 university students who are joining him.

While he has been adamant that he will retire from public life, his announcement was not covered in South African national media, as many do not believe he will be retiring.

That said, Tutu plans to continue his work with The Elders, a group of retired leaders, including many Nobel laureates such as his compatriot Nelson Mandela, who speak out against injustice around the world.

He will also work to develop the Desmond Tutu Peace Cente in Cape Town, which will house his special peace projects.

"Really, the leader is a leader because he is a servant. When you look at some of the greatest leaders, Nelson Mandela, he is not in it for his own aggrandisement-- he leads on behalf of, for the sake of," he said in an earlier interview.