Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu who passed away last Christmas

Desmond Mpilo Tutu, who had passed on 26 December 2021, was a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist, for which he received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1984. He was Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996; the first black African to hold either position. 

British journalist and writer, Michael Holman had said that “seldom has a public figure inspired as much universal love, and commanded such was Desmond Mpilo Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town. Alongside Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected president and fellow winner of the Nobel Peace prize, Tutu came to personify the battle against apartheid.

The loss of this hero of our time, modest and self-effacing, entertaining and courageous, will be hard for South Africa to bear. Once loathed by many whites, it is testimony to Tutu's greatness that he will surely be mourned by all South Africans, whatever their creed, colour or conviction. That battle against apartheid's grim legacy, however, is far from over. The journey to a fair society is taking much longer than expected, the roadblocks on the route to a decent democracy are proving hard to dismantle.”

Leaders and celebrities voiced their appreciation for Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s life’s work. Desmond Tutu’s commitment to truth, justice, equality, and reconciliation continues to be a source of inspiration to many in the fight against the divisions we face globally. 

“Desmond Tutu’s commitment to truth, justice, equality, and reconciliation continues to be a source of inspiration to many in the fight against the divisions we face globally.” - Barack Obama

“The light of Archbishop Desmond Tutu will go on shining, because it was the light of the Christ who sent him.” - Archbishop of Canterbury

“One of the greatest most peaceful Souls has left the planet. A hope giver, peace maker, justice warrior. Thank you Archbishop Desmond Tutu.” - Oprah Winfrey

His legacy lives on through the care and efforts of those who have been inspired by his life’s work and his achievements through charity work around the world. Through the Tutu Foundation UK, conflict is prevented and resolved to help people build peaceful communities across the UK by providing facilitation and mediation services, based on the principles of Ubuntu. 

The Foundation is built on the inspiration and knowledge of South African communities who sought reconciliation rather than revenge following the overthrow of Apartheid, through the southern African concept of Ubuntu. 

The good deeds of all individuals are what keeps evil at bay, and as Desmond once said “do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”