President Margee Ensign’s Tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“The late Nobel Peace Prize Winner, anti-Apartheid icon and AUN Trustee was an inspiration to the World”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South Africa’s inspiring Anglican Bishop who fought against apartheid and for racial justice and reconciliation died today in Cape Town. He served on the AUN Board and helped guide the early development of AUN.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, called Bishop Tutu "a patriot without equal.” Bishop Tutu headed South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the 1990s, that investigated crimes during the apartheid era. This commission led the foundation for the transition to democracy and became a model for other similar commissions throughout the continent and the world.
Discussing apartheid in South Africa Bishop Tutu said: "The system of this country, apartheid, is immoral. The system of this country is evil," Tutu said during that period. "What must we say, which we have not yet said? What must we do, which we have not yet done? To tell the world that all we want is a new South Africa, where all, Black and white, will be able to live as equals."
Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, which recognized his work in the anti-apartheid struggle. In his acceptance speech he said: "Let us work to be peacemakers. If we want peace, let us work for justice. Let us beat our swords into ploughshares."
Bishop Tutu was an inspiration to the world; we mourn his passing and remember his wisdom that guides us to build a more just and peaceful world.
Margee Ensign
President/Vice-Chancellor
American University of Nigeria
December 26, 2021