Desmond Tutu: We are made for goodness Some people go throughout their lives pondering whether or not they are an effective leader. However there are certain people that never have to wonder if they were leaders. There are creative, powerful, and effective leaders that shape the World we live in. Certain leaders can change lives or ideas because they are willing to work hard. Warren Bennis, a famous leadership writer says that “leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality”. For so many people in South Africa, one man was able to translate a vision into a reality. This man was known as Desmond Tutu, and he was an effective leader who changed lives, and transformed South Africa. In a 2007 interview with the Nobel Peace Prize …show more content…
Known to many people as “apartness” because South Africa was ruled by white individuals even though they were the minority (Meijers). Racial segregation had always been part of the culture in South Africa but it was not until the new stricter policy was enforced that people including Desmond Tutu begin to take a stance. People in South Africa were divided into races and separated from one another. African Americans were required to carry around legal passes that granted special access to certain places in the country. Desmond Tutu was teaching at this time and became outraged at the way this political system was being laid out (Meijers). As a teacher he believed that all students should have an equal opportunity to earn an education in South Africa. Other than not being able to sit next to a white student, African Americans were unable to vote or own land. Desmond Tutu did not believe in apartheid and vowed to change the political system while he was living …show more content…
Common faith was a strong standpoint for Desmond to take a stand for. He said in an interview “We are all children of Jesus” (Tzadik). Most of the inhabitants of South Africa were from the Anglican Church (Tzadik). He said that a lot of opposition especially those who lead apartheid came from Calvinist descendants (Tzadik). These individuals were the ones who set apart South Africa. Desmond stated that in order to heal South Africa, the pus first had to be drained from its wounds (Tzadik). Desmond was emphasizing that there is much forgiveness to be given in South Africa. (Tzadik). Thus, Desmond was appointed chair to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Academy of Achievement). The purpose of this committee was to investigate all human right violations that occurred during apartheid (Academy of Achievement). Desmond believed that in order to heal, forgiveness needed to be given. He was not a supporter of