"I value my vote very deeply.

I know what it costs for me to have the vote ...

I am hurting for a country I love deeply and I am trying to do what I can.

I am not impotent.

This is a cry from the heart."

Tutu made headlines at the weekend by saying he would not vote in next year's election, unless the ruling African National Congress heals its divisions.

He was speaking yesterday at Cape Town's Milnerton Primary School, where children had their turn to illustrate a national school newspaper called 'Learn the News', ahead of his 77th birthday today.

Today's edition of the newspaper, illustrated by the children on Monday, highlights his birthday.

Tutu said there were many wonderful South Africans who could contribute to its future.

"For goodness sake, we have a fantastic country.

Don't smash it up".

What the majority wanted was not necessarily right, Tutu said.

He presented support in some quarters for the death sentence as an example, saying that were a referendum held today, the pro-death sentence lobby would probably win.

"But that doesn't make it right," he said.

- Nampa-Sapa

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