DESMOND TUTU

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born in Klerksdorp, Transvaal 7 October 1931 in

South Africa. As a vocal and committed opponent of apartheid in South Africa,
Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. In the transition to
democracy, Tutu was an influential figure in promoting the concept of
forgiveness and reconciliation. Tutu has been recognised as the ‘moral
conscience of South Africa’ and frequently speaks up on issues of justice and
peace.

Tutu was born Klerksdorp, Transvaal, South Africa on 7 October 1931. After

graduating from school, he studied at Pretoria Bantu Normal College from
1951.  However, after the passage of the apartheid Bantu Education Act in
1953, Tutu resigned from teaching in protest at the diminished opportunities
for black South Africans. He continued to study, concentrating on Theology.
During this period in 1955, he married Nomalizo Leah Shenxane – they had
four children together. In 1961, he was ordained an Anglican Priest.

In 1962, he moved to England, where he studied at Kings College London,

where he gained a master’s degree in theology. He also became a part-time
curate in St Alban’s and Golders Green.

In 1967, he returned to South Africa and became increasingly involved in the

anti-apartheid movement. He was influenced amongst others by fellow
Anglican Bishop Trevor Huddleston. Tutu’s understanding of the Gospels and
his Christian faith meant he felt compelled to take a stand and speak out
against injustice.

In 1975, he was appointed Dean of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg, the

first black to hold that position. From 1976 to 1978 he was Bishop of Lesotho,
and in 1978 became the first black General Secretary of the South African
Council of Churches.

In 1976, there were increasing levels of protests by black South Africans

against apartheid, especially in Soweto. In his position as a leading member of
the clergy, Desmond Tutu used his influence to speak firmly and unequivocally
against apartheid, often comparing it to Fascist regimes.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the
oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that
you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”

His outspoken criticism caused him to be briefly jailed in 1980, and his
passport was twice revoked. However, due to his position in the church, the
government were reluctant to make a ‘martyr’ out of him. This gave Desmond
Tutu more opportunity to criticise the government than many other members
of the ANC.
During South Africa’s turbulent transformation to end apartheid and
implement democracy, Tutu was a powerful force for encouraging inter-racial
harmony. He encouraged fellow South Africans to transcend racial differences
and see themselves as one nation.