South Africa’s anti-apartheid hero, Desmond Tutu dies at the age of 90.

After a joyful Christmas celebration, the people of South Africa and almost around the world mourn the death of an iconic leader,  Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace prize laureate. He died at the age of  90.

“The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa. A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world.”

said, President Cyril Ramaphosa in the statement addressing the tragic loss.

Who was the Anti-Apartheid Hero, Archbishop Desmond Tutu?

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born in a mixed heritage of Xhosa and Motswana, a poor family in 1931, November 7 in Klerksdorp, northwest South Africa. Later in life Archbishop Desmond described his family, “although we weren’t affluent, we were not destitute either.” During his study years in Johannesburg Bantu High School, Tutu excelled not only academically but also through extra-curricular activities. Tutu joined school rugby team and that’s how his love for sports began.

The reality was harsh, outside school hours, Desmond was selling oranges and candles. Following years, while serving in the church, “Christ the King, Sophiatown” he came under the influence of priest ,”Trevor Huddleston.” Priest Trevor , an early  anti-apartheid activist became a greatest influence in Tutu’s life. Apart from the circumstance, Tutu’s health took a deep fall, when he was bed-ridden by Tuberculosis for 18 months. After the recovery Tutu took the national test and passed second-class.

Teaching Career 1951-55

Tutu wanted to become a medical professional and even secured admission at the University of the Witwatersrand, however, his parents could not afford the tuition fees. Thus, Tutu decided to take teaching as a career. During his teaching years, Desmond Tutu serve the Student Representative Council helping organize “Literacy and Dramatic Society” , and chaired “the Cultural and Debating Society.” At one of the debating event he came across, lawyer and future South African president, Nelson Mandela. The pair didn’t meet after that, until 1990, the release of Nelson Mandela.

Desmond met the love his life,  Nomalizo Leah Shenxane, during his teaching career, they couple got married legally first and then underwent Roman Catholic Wedding. They gave birth to four children, Trevor, Theresa, Naomi and Mpho.

The Clergy 1956-66

South Africa at this time was already facing the harsh regimes of apartheid implemented by White-minority National Party Government. To further the cause, the government passed Bantu
Education Act(racially-segregated education facilities). This very act motivated Desmond to leave teaching profession and chose the path of an Anglican priest. Due to his debts, Tutu’s initial request to join Ordinands Guild was denied. Later a wealthy industrialist, Harry Oppenheimer paid all of the debts.

Following years, Desmond Tutu devoted his life in studying Anglican doctrine, Bible, church history, and Christian ethics. With a remarkable archbishop’s annual essay, Tutu earned License of Theology degree . Even the principle remarked Tutu having

“as exceptional knowledge and intelligence and is very industrious. At the same time he shows no arrogance, mixes in well and is popular.”

Desmond completed many of courses and honor degrees, in different parts of World, London, Switzerland, and Islam are to name a few.  In 1960, Desmon was ordained as a priest to serve bishop of Lesotho.

While his time in Britain, Desmond Tutu asked for directions needlessly, just to be called “Sir” by a White Policeman. 

Nobel Peace Prize, 1984

Affectionately known as “the Arch”, Tutu for more than six decades was a primary voices in urging the White-minority government to end apartheid and racial segregation policy. For his tenuous efforts and roles to abolish the apartheid system, Desmond was presented with Nobel Peace Prize, 1984. During the event Desmond summed up his thoughts on prejudices and inequalities in short saying,

“this land, richly endowed in so many ways, is sadly lacking in justice.”

The following year marked a new recognition for the priest, as a Bishop of Johannesburg and a year later as the Archbishop of Cape Town. Desmond was the first black African to hold both positions.

 

During Apartheid

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the very soul of the anti-apartheid movement. An iconic charming spiritual leader, global peace advocate, human right activists with an infectious laugh and sense of humor. Amid the soaring injustice and loud violence of White-minority government, Tutu became a voice of peace for oppressed with unwavering intentions of moral fury. With the help of his position in the Church, Archbishop Desmond Tutu bravely challenged the brutal apartheid rulers and their regime. Even when Desmond was not a popular figure, he was a significant part of the anti-apartheid movement. His motives were religious, spiritual rather than political.

In 1980s the White-minority government was at war with Black-majority, a long tortuous journey to freedom. Many struggle leaders were either killed, forced to exile or prison, however, Archbishop Desmond was on every stage of the movement. He was not only comforting the victims but also bravely exposed the hypocrisy of apartheid regime.

Defining Moment for the Archbishop.

The year was 1985, Archbishop walked to a soon to be funeral for a young man on suspicions of being an apartheid spy. He broke the angry mob and prevented the man from burning.

Desmond Tutu said “the man(he recently save from a burning car) should be forgiven and this struggle should rise above the violence of the state.”

Time again, Tutu became a moral compass and increasingly outspoken. Alex Boraine, the former Truth and Reconciliation Commission member told CNN,

“He was one of the most hated people, particularly by White South Africa, because of the stance he took,”

Turning Tides: Archbishop arrests.

Further injustices followed with the markings of year 1988, assignations, bombings, and many more. While making his way to South African Parliament, with an anti-apartheid petition Tutu was arrested but this in no way stooped the diminutive pastor. Following that year, Archbishop marched with 20,000 people in Cape Town. The tides were turning as then elected new president F.W. de Klerk begin easing on apartheid laws.

In February 11, 1990 Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in Prison.  After fours years of being released, Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa. While casting his first vote, Desmond Tutu describe the feeling as, “Falling in Love.” Desmond added, “I actually said to God, I don’t mind if I die now.”

“I am walking on clouds. It is an incredible feeling, like falling in love. We South Africans are going to be the Rainbow People of the world,

The following year Tutu was appointed as  chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), this was done to address the human rights violation during the apartheid years. In the TRC’s first hearing, Desmond Tutu broke down and sobbed, hearing one brutal story after another. However, he was consistent in his approach. The final report by TRC was handed in 1998, same year Desmond Tutu Peace Trust was established.

Desmond also coined the term, “Rainbow nation” while describing the post-apartheid ethnic mix of South Africa.

With such extensive amounts of experience and knowledge, Tutu published a handful books:

• “No Future Without Forgiveness” (1999)
• “God Is Not a Christian” (2011)
• A children’s book “Desmond and the Very Mean Word” (2012)

 

In 2009, President Obama awarded Desmond Tutu with presidential Medal of Freedom.

Controversial Positions

Although, Archbishop retired from public service in 2010, he remain unafraid to take controversial stances when needed. Like in 2014, Desmond Tutu former called for a global boycott of Israel urging the Israelis and Palestinians to find a sustainable solution by looking beyond their leaders. He also called US President George W. Bush and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair for their involvements in Iraq war.

Desmond Tutu didn’t even spare his close friend, late president Nelson Mandela while calling out African National Congress (ANC) on corruption and calling them, “gravy train mentality.”

Down to Earth

In spite of the fame and praise, Desmond Tutu never considered himself a great man. During an interview with CNN,

“What is a great man?. I just know that I’ve had incredible, incredible opportunities. When you stand out in a crowd, it is always only because you are being carried on the shoulders of others.”

On the humorous side Tutu added another reason for his massive following, “They took me only because I have this large nose, and I have this easy name, Tutu.”

Health Condition

Tutu had been of ill for years. In 1977 Tutu was diagnosed of Prostate cancer and underwent repeated treatments. In 2013 he went through a series of tests for persistent infection. Following the years he was admitted in the hospital several times. Due to his health conditions Tutu made less public appearances. In May, 2021, Tutu made a rare appearance while taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

Tributes pour in from all around the world

Praises from all around the world after the death of anti-apartheid hero, Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu.

“A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa

“A living embodiment of faith in action, speaking boldly against racism, injustice, corruption, and oppression, not just in apartheid South Africa but wherever in the world he saw wrongdoing, especially when it impacted the most vulnerable and voiceless in society.” – The Desmond Tutu Foundation

“A mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others.”– Former US president, Barack Obama.

“His legacy transcends borders and will echo throughout the ages.” – President Joe Biden, US

“He tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across world.”– Queen Elizabeth II

Wrapping UP

Whether Desmond was lobbying for Palestinian statehood or taking on his church over gay rights, talking about climate change or global human rights, “the arch” brought a high-spirited and cheerful playfulness to all his strives. He was quick to crack jokes, ready to dance, laugh with an infectious cackle and even break down and sob. With him gone, the world has feels a little darker. As the gloomy sky in my hometown is ready to shed heavy tears, the Earth mourns together on losing a moral compass for the world. Nonetheless, his legacy will live forever and ever.