Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the Nobel laureate who was post-apartheid South Africa’s moral compass and the driver of its troubled reconciliation process, has died. He was 90 years old.
RIP Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Archbishop Emeritus and anti-apartheid campaigner Desmond Tutu has died at the age of 90.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa released a statement confirming the passing.
Nelson Mandela described the Arch as “sometimes strident, often tender, never afraid and seldom without humour,”. Mandela added that “Desmond Tutu’s voice will always be the voice of the voiceless” because he fought openly and passionately against oppression, racism, poverty and homophobia.
Tutu was born in Klerksdorp in 1931. He studied teaching and theology. he became increasingly active in the fight against apartheid as a young man and he rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as a vocal opponent of the apartheid system.
In 1984 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
By 1986 Tutu, who coined the phrase “the Rainbow Nation”, became the first black person to lead the Anglican Church in Southern Africa. He his position to fight for peace and justice.
In the period after South Africa finally held its first democratic elections, Tutu was appointed chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC was set up to deal with the atrocities of apartheid.
However, Tutu continued to speak out on moral and political issues even after the TRC ended,
In 2007 he helped found The Elders – a grouping of senior world leaders who work together for peace and human rights.
You’ve Earned It/YEI sends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of this iconic figure in South African history.
Recent YEI articles:
YEI has another secret for SA seniors! A treasure chest waiting to be explored!