Desmond Tutu

Date of Birth: October 7, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: December 26, 2021

Biography

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist who became one of the most prominent opponents of apartheid. Born on October 7, 1931, in Klerksdorp, South Africa, Tutu initially trained as a teacher before turning to theology. He was ordained as a priest in 1960 and eventually became the first black Archbishop of Cape Town and bishop of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa (now the Anglican Church of Southern Africa). Tutu’s advocacy for racial equality and his nonviolent approach in fighting apartheid garnered him international acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. He chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the end of apartheid, which aimed to document human rights abuses and promote healing. Beyond his work in South Africa, Tutu was an outspoken critic of global injustices, including issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, climate change, and LGBT rights. He continued to be a moral voice for justice and reconciliation until his death on December 26, 2021.

5 Interesting Facts about Desmond Tutu

1. Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his efforts in resolving and ending apartheid in South Africa.

2. He was the first black man to be appointed as the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town.

3. Tutu coined the term “Rainbow Nation” to describe post-apartheid South Africa.

4. He was instrumental in establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which he chaired from 1996 to 1998.

5. Besides his activism, Tutu wrote several books, including “No Future Without Forgiveness,” which detailed his experiences with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Desmond Tutu

1. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

2. “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

3. “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

4. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

5. “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Desmond Tutu’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at his peak, largely accrued through his various awards, book sales, and speaking engagements.

Children

Desmond Tutu had four children with his wife, Nomalizo Leah Shenxane, whom he married in 1955. Their children are: 1. Trevor Thamsanqa Tutu 2. Theresa Thandeka Tutu 3. Naomi Nontombi Tutu 4. Mpho Andrea Tutu