Desmond Tutu: Archbishop, Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Anti-Apartheid Ic

Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop, theologian and human rights activist who became one of the world's most prominent voices against apartheid. Born Desmond Mpilo Tutu on October 7, 1931, in Klerksdorp, Transvaal, he was known for his warmth, humor and moral courage.

Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his anti-apartheid activism. He became the first Black Bishop of Johannesburg in 1985 and the first Black Archbishop of Cape Town in 1986. After the end of apartheid he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which investigated human rights abuses committed by both sides. He supported the ordination of women as priests.

Tutu married Nomalizo Leah Shenxane in 1955, and they had four children, including Mpho Tutu. He met Nelson Mandela at a debate in 1951 and the two did not meet again until 1990. In 1986 he moved into the archbishop's residence at Bishopscourt, which was illegal under apartheid rules. He died in Cape Town on December 26, 2021, at age 90. Remembered as South Africa's moral compass, he coined the phrase "Rainbow Nation."

Achievements: Won the Nobel Peace Prize (1984), first Black Bishop of Johannesburg (1985), first Black Archbishop of Cape Town (1986), chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1995).

Birth: October 7, 1931 - Klerksdorp, Transvaal, South Africa.

Profession: Archbishop, theologian and human rights activist.

Interesting Facts: He and Mandela met at a debate when both were students in 1951. Moving into Bishopscourt was an act of defiance against apartheid's racial residence laws.