South Africa & Apartheid

Desmond Tutu established his objective for “a democratic and just society without racial divisions.” He believed that this could be achieved by having equal civil rights for all, abolishing South Africa’s passport laws, building a common system of education, and ceasing the forced deportation from South Africa to the so-called “homelands.”

Desmond Tutu’s beliefs and goals for humanity can be seen in the works that he has helped build and participated in.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, of which Archbishop Tutu was the chairman, used the ideas of solving conflict with amnesty. It was a way for people to talk out their feelings after the horrors of Apartheid, and provided a chance for perpetrators of violence to give testimony and be pardoned. This commission led to a free democracy in South Africa. The TRC consisted of three committees: The Human Rights Violations Committee, The Reparation and Rehabilitation Committee, and The Amnesty Committee.

The Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa has the goal to reduce poverty and defend human rights in Africa. It is a non-governmental organization that supports parliaments in Africa and keeps Africa of European concern. It hopes to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Africa, and mobilizes European democracy against Apartheid. Desmond Tutu serves as the honorary chair of the AWEPA’s Eminent Advisory Board.

Honors & Awards

An award presented to Tutu for his outstanding nonviolent work against apartheid, the South African government’s policy of racial separateness

The Sydney Peace Foundation is an organization founded in 1998 with the goal of promoting public discussion about peace with justice and universal human rights, so as to influence public interest. This is also the only International Peace Prize awarded in Australia.

An annual award presented to individuals and institutions for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods

An award established to recognize phenomenal individuals whose lives and actions exemplify Lincoln's legacy of leadership

America's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom commended the Archbishop for his excellent work for justice in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

His Children's Works

Mpho Andrea Tutu has followed her father’s footsteps and was ordained an Episcopal priest by her father in 2004. She is also the founder and director of the Tutu Institute for Prayer and Pilgrimage. This foundation seeks to support and enrich spiritual journeys by offering opportunities for people to experience the world as recipients of God’s loving grace (for more information, go to http://www.tutuinstitute.org).

In addition, Reverend Mpho Tutu had been the chairperson of the board of the Global AIDS Alliance. GAA has played a major role in combating global HIV/AIDS at the local, national and global level; it has shaped the policy and debates on PEPFAR, the U.S. Government initiative to help save the lives of those suffering from HIV/AIDS around the world; establishing and administering CEPA, an organization in sub-Saharan Africa; and Zero Tolerance Against Violence for Women and Girls. Although GAA had closed down in 2010, their message and aid has been spread far and wide already.

Naomi Nontombi Tutu founded the Tutu Foundation for Development and Relief in Southern Africa, based in Hartford, Connecticut. This organization provided support and scholarships to South African refugees throughout the countries of Africa. She attended the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky and has followed in her father's footsteps pursuing a career as human rights activist. She is currently a program coordinator for the Race Relations Institute Fisk University, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Other Works

Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation: Strives to treat and prevent HIV as well as monitor and manage tuberculosis in the Western Cape. The DTHF wishes to lessen the impact of HIV on people through commitment to excellence, innovation and passion for humanity. Its mission is “The pursuit of excellence in research, training, treatment and prevention of HIV related diseases and infections in Southern Africa.”

Global AIDS Alliance: Desmond Tutu served as honorary chair of the Advisory Council. The GAA played a major role in combating HIV/AIDS, but closed on April 30, 2010, due financial struggles.

Desmond Tutu TB Centre: The DTTC has the mission to improve the health of vulnerable groups by “influencing policy based on new knowledge created by research focusing on health, mainly TB and HIV.” Desmond Tutu, a former TB sufferer himself, advocates tuberculosis care and research. Archbishop Tutu has shown support for the push against childhood TB by joining doctors and researchers bike riding in the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour.

Desmond Tutu Peace Centre: The Desmond Tutu Peace Centre was co-founded by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Mrs. Leah Tutu. With a strong clear vision of a world committed to peace, the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre seeks to provide service to the people of South Africa, Africa, and worldwide by the following statement:
“We aim to create and maintain a Peace Centre that will deliver programmes that promote conflict resolution, restore social justice to marginalised people and inspire leaders to be responsible and committed to the people they serve. We further the understanding that peace will flow out of justice and that there is essential good in everyone.”

Interesting fact: More than 80% of the land in South Africa was set aside for the whites.

(http://www.larktours.com/50-interesting-facts-about-south-africa)

Interesting fact: Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world.

(http://www.larktours.com/50-interesting-facts-about-south-africa)