Desmond Tutu's Milestones

Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican bishop and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, celebrated for his anti-apartheid activism, advocacy for human rights, and work toward peace and reconciliation.
1931

Birth

Desmond Tutu was born in Klerksdorp, South Africa.

Family October 7, 1931
1938

Early education

Attended Methodist Primary School and later Johannesburg Bantu High School.

Education January 1, 1938 - December 31, 1945
1945

Diagnosed with tuberculosis

Diagnosed with tuberculosis as a teenager, spending months in hospital and inspired by the compassion of his caregivers.

Other January 1, 1945 - December 31, 1947
1954

Qualified as teacher

Qualified as a teacher at Pretoria Bantu Normal College and began teaching at Johannesburg Bantu High School.

Achievement January 1, 1954
1955

Marriage to Nomalizo Leah Shenxane

Married Nomalizo Leah Shenxane.

Relationship July 2, 1955
1957

Left teaching to study theology

Left teaching to pursue theological studies at St Peter's Theological College in Johannesburg.

Education January 1, 1957
1961

Ordained as priest

Ordained as an Anglican priest.

Career December 16, 1961
1962

Theological studies in London

Studied theology at King's College London, earning a Master's degree.

Education September 1, 1962 - December 31, 1966
1975

Dean of Johannesburg

Appointed Dean of Johannesburg, the first Black person to hold the position.

Career January 1, 1975
1976

Bishop of Lesotho

Became Bishop of Lesotho.

Career July 1, 1976
1978

General Secretary of South African Council of Churches

Appointed General Secretary, advocating against apartheid.

Career January 1, 1978

International anti-apartheid advocacy

Gained international prominence for outspoken opposition to apartheid, speaking at the United Nations and abroad.

Achievement January 1, 1978 - October 16, 1984
1984

Nobel Peace Prize

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to end apartheid.

Achievement October 16, 1984
1986

Archbishop of Cape Town

Became the first Black Archbishop of Cape Town.

Career September 7, 1986
1996

Retirement

Retired from public ministry but continued activism for human rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and LGBTQ equality.

Other June 23, 1996

Chair of Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Appointed chair of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, promoting restorative justice.

Achievement December 1, 1996 - October 29, 1998
2021

Death

Desmond Tutu died in Cape Town, remembered as a champion of peace and justice.

Other December 26, 2021