Tunde Folawiyo | The Impact of Desmond Tutu on the Human Rights Movement

At the forefront of the human rights movement are a few key figures whose influence on today’s culture are immeasurable. Famed activists such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. forever impacted views of social injustices throughout the world, sparking a new era of thinking centered by equal rights for all. Citizens throughout Africa such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others may continue to be inspired by the efforts of these brave men and women. Amongst the most notable of these figures is Desmond Tutu, famed for his involvement in opposing apartheid in South Africa.

Born in Klerksdorp, South Africa in October of 1931, Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born into an era in which black youth was subject to segregation. Graduating with a high school diploma in 1950, he studied education during his college years, earning a teacher’s certificate in 1953. With this, he went on to acquire a bachelor’s from one of South Africa’s foremost learning institutions.

Fuelled by frustration stemming from the racism endured during the era of South African apartheid, Tutu enrolled in a theological college where he became ordained as a deacon during 1960 and later a priest during 1961. He then went on to acquire a master’s in theology in 1966. Appointed Anglican Dean in Johannesburg during 1975, Tutu rose to worldwide fame as his voice became a prominent presence in the fight for civil rights in South Africa, a fight joined by activists such as Nelson Mandela. His efforts were recognised throughout Africa as he was appointed a variety of esteemed positions before later being awarded the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Later holding various roles within South Africa’s church system, Tutu was named Cape Town’s Archbishop in 1986.

Through the tireless activism of Tutu and many others throughout South Africa, an end to apartheid was decreed in 1993. Nelson Mandela was elected the country’s president during 1994 where Tutu introduced him to the masses. A moment of triumph following years of struggle, this would go down in history as an immense victory for human rights.

Since his retirement from the public eye during the 1990s, Tutu remains an active advocate in the fight for social inequality. He is a member of The Elders, a network of seasoned leaders such as Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and others. His stories of bravery in the face of adversity may continue to inspire African citizens such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others people throughout the world.

Tunde Folawiyo | The achievements of Desmond Tutu

Throughout the past four decades, Desmond Tutu has played a key role in ending the world's greatest injustices. Although he is now retired, he spent a large portion of his life working as an Anglican Archbishop in Cape Town. Those who are familiar with his work, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may know that Tutu has been involved in the fight against sexism, racism, poverty, tuberculosis and AIDs.

He first became a household name during the eighties, due to his anti-apartheid views. His efforts relating to ending this regime, and his work on other important issues, led to him winning the Sydney Peace Prize, the Pacem in Terris Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Ghandi Peace Prize and of course, the Nobel Peace Prize.

Early on in his career, Tutu established a very clear objective, which he has closely adhered to over the course of his life. This objective is to create a society which is just and democratic, with no divisions caused by race.

He contended that this goal could not be achieved without the following; the end of South Africa's forced deportation, the establishment of a common education system which is available to all, the eradication of South Africa's passport legislation, and equal civil rights for everyone.

He was born in South Africa in 1931, and received his primary and secondary school education in the local mission schools, where his father was a teacher. At the age of 30, he was ordained as an Anglican priest. Shortly after this, he moved to England, and it was here that he earned his masters at King's College London. Ten years later, he was named the Bishop of Lesotho, and in 1978, he accepted an offer to serve as the South African Council of Churches' general secretary.

Throughout the following decade, Tutu worked tirelessly to draw attention to the unjustness of apartheid. He favoured non-violent protests, and encouraged other nations to place economic pressure on the South African government, as a means of changing the laws relating to apartheid. As a history enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo might remember that in 1984, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

More recently, he has focused on the elimination of poverty; prior to the 2005 G8 summit, he publically asked world leaders to work towards the promotion of free trade in developing countries, and demanded the abolition of high taxes on medicines used to treat AIDs. His words led to the G8 leaders committing to increasing the amount of aid provided to poorer nations, and promising to do their best to offer universal access to HIV and AIDS medications.