Desmond Tutu
“Because forgiveness is like this: a room can be dank because you have closed the windows, you’ve closed the curtains. But the sun is shining outside, and the air is fresh outside. In order to get that fresh air, you have to get up and open the window and draw the curtains apart.”
Who Am I?
As Desmond Tutu was reaching adulthood, South Africa legalised a system called apartheid. In 1948, in South Africa, everyone was separated according to race. Apartheid was racism made into law. The government and the legal system were all designed to keep this separation in place. Whites and Blacks lived in different areas and did different jobs. It was illegal for a Black person and a White person to marry; if they had a baby, then the baby had to live with the Black parent. Blacks did not have access to proper schools, health care or opportunities. Many Blacks had to leave their homes to work for White people, and they often stayed away for months at a time. Black children were often made to work for very little money. Many didn’t attend school, and even if they did, the facilities were poor. In 1975, the government spent 42 rand on each Black pupil compared to 644 rand on each White pupil!
Desmond Tutu originally trained to be a teacher. In 1960, he was ordained as an Anglican priest and worked within the church for over 20 years. In 1986, he became the Archbishop of Cape Town, becoming South Africa’s most senior person in the church.
What Am I Known For?
Desmond never imagined entering the world of politics, but he realised his position in the church could help in the fight to bring down apartheid in his home country. He always promoted non-violent methods and worked hard to encourage the international community to help bring an end to apartheid. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
Nelson Mandela was a South African lawyer who the government imprisoned for 27 years. In 1994, apartheid ended, Mandela was released and became President. Mandela asked Desmond Tutu to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This commission investigated the abuses that had been committed over the period of apartheid. Tutu won international acclaim for facing the traumas people had suffered and calling for forgiveness. He said, “Forgiving is not forgetting; it’s actually remembering – remembering and not using your right to hit back. It’s a second chance for a new beginning.”
How About You?
Activity: Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” What little bit of good can you do?
Critical thinking: He also said, “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 the mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Discuss.
Other Amazing People (you can find them on the website)
Several amazing people from Africa, such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Queen Nzinga, have fought for their people’s rights. You can read their stories on our website.
Other Useful Resources (available on the website)
Some other Amazing People from Africa are featured in our Diverse Voices resource.
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Photo: John Mathew Smith & http://www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0