About Desmond Tutu

Archbishop Desmond Tutu received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1984 for his years of commitment to South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. In 1995, President Nelson Mandela appointed him chairman of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The  Commission submitted its report to President Mandela in October 1998, and its process of formal hearings had a significant impact on the healing of the nation. Born in Johannesburg, Tutu graduated from the University of South Africa. He taught in high schools in Johannesburg and Munsieville before entering the ministry. As General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, he gained national and international stature for his vigorous commitment to social justice.