Kagiso Trust launches Ode to Arch campaign
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu - the Arch, as he is fondly known - has gained a reputation for his pearls of wisdom, insight into human nature and active role in promoting social cohesion for a truly democratic South Africa.
By Kristen Opalinski (own work) CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This year, to mark Kagiso Trust's 30th anniversary of sustainable contribution to poverty alleviation, education and empowerment, all South Africans have the rare opportunity to share with the world exactly how the Arch has made an impression in their lives.
Kagiso Trust chairman Reverend Frank Chikane has provided the first ode, sharing his thoughts on just one of the many influences that the Arch has had on his life.
"I have known Desmond Tutu from the early 80s, when he returned from Lesotho and immediately got involved in his prophetic ministry against the apartheid system. This included work in areas of African and black theology to clarify the challenges occasioned by the racist apartheid system at the time. It is when he became general secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) when his ministry became even more prominent.
Difficult times
"Most people know him from that point on. Desmond Tutu took on this role during the most difficult times in the history of the church and this country. It was during that time that he showed leadership, courage and commitment to his faith and God. You could see that he acted based on his faith.
"I took over at the SACC from Beyers Naudé in 1987, at the height of the crisis in South Africa with increased levels of state violence and massacres. Desmond Tutu was the one church leader who was ready to drop everything and come and be with me when we were dealing with this crisis.
"I remember that he was in Canada at one stage. I sent a note saying we've got a crisis - I think it was in Sebokeng - and he dropped everything and cancelled his trip and flew straight to Johannesburg to join me on the visit to Sebokeng. He was always ready and able to prioritise what was important at any given time for the good of the country - that's why he was awarded the Nobel peace prize," Chikane reminisced.
Now, all South Africans have the opportunity to send in their memories, highlights, learnings and special moments with Desmond Tutu. You can send your ode, by sending us your message or photo with the Arch on facebook, twitter or on our website
The best entry stands a chance of winning an iPad Air.
