Good Afternoon Everyone! Welcome to my proposal for Desmond Tutu 

 

Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born on the 7th of October, 1931, exactly 90 years old at the time of writing. And for 90 years, he has brought benevolence to this world, and spread the message of hope and kindness. He is a man that has used his prominence and stature to make this world a better place. And today I will tell you why he is a notable. 

 

What is he best known for? 

Desmond Tutu is known for being at the very top of the South African Anglican hierarchy. He was a bishop in Johannesburg and Lesotho, and then, in Cape Town, he achieved Archbishop status, the highest rank possible, and he was the first black man to do so. He brought liveliness and energy every Sunday. He lived and breathed the church. And though he does not work anymore, he left a footprint of goodwill for the rest of his life. 

 

He was also a peacemaker and activist as an anti-apartheid protester during the apartheid. He was a great friend of fellow activist and Nobel peace prize winner, Nelson Mandela, and both were strong advocates and leaders of the protests against the apartheid. They were vital to the ending of that dark time in South Africa's history. Who knows where we would be without their interventions? 

 

What struggles did he have to overcome? 

His two main struggles came in the form of growing up in an impoverished family, which granted him  less opportunity to afford a good schooling; and the adversity of discrimination his whole life, especially during the apartheid. He overcame these difficulties, however, fighting through them with great spirit. 

 

What else did he do? 

He was also a teacher. He taught at the Federal Theological Seminary, and the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. He also studied theology in University, and became a theologian. 

 

What was he like? What personality and mindset did he have? 

Desmond Tutu was a benevolent, determined and strong person. He had a great moral compass, and treated everyone with the golden rule, treat others as you would like to be treated. He showed great courage through adversity. He always had a growth mindset. He always wanted to better not only  himself, but the people and world around him. He wanted to make change while he was on Earth. He was a role mode, and an example of a model human being. He never felt anger or hate to others, no matter how they treated him.  

 

What accolades did he receive for his work? 

His work earned him a Nobel peace prize in 1984, as well as the honours of receiving the Order for Meritorious Service, and the Order of the Companions House. These are all very prestigious accolades that very many people receive. 

 

He also is notable to me on a personal note. I was born in South Africa, and so were my parents. They were discriminated against during Apartheid. They were given worse bathrooms, schools and overall living situations. They had to suffer throughout their whole childhood. And they would be suffering to this day had it not been for the people who stood up and fought. He changed my parents life, and subsequently my life.  

 

In conclusion, Desmond Tutu is notable for so much, whether it be his mindset and personality, whether it be his impact during a nation-wide event, whether it be his . He changed millions of lives for the better, both black and white. And he saved a country with his peacemaking efforts. That is why is want my notable to be Desmond Tutu, and my presentation will be a celebration of him as a not only a life changing notable, but a kind and helpful man. 

 

Darshan Lambotharan