On this day in 1986, Desmond Tutu became the Anglican Archbishop of Capetown – the most senior position in southern Africa’s Anglican hierarchy. Tutu was the first black African to hold the position.
Aside from his prominent role in the South African church, Tutu was also a leading anti-apartheid and human rights activist.
He was selected by Nelson Mandela to chair the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission following the end of apartheid, investigating past human rights abuses committed by both pro and anti-apartheid groups.
Tutu continued his defence for the oppressed until well into old age, campaigning for gay rights and women’s equality. He was also a prominent voice against the Iraq War and the apartheid-style regime in the Palestinian territories.
He died on Boxing Day, 2021.
#desmondtutu#desmond#tutu#boxingday#archbishop#southafrica#africa#capetown#anc#mandela#nelsonmandela#iraq#iraqwar#palestine#apartheid#church