Kagiso Trust InBrief Issue#17 August 2015 Aug 2015 | Page 6

www.kagiso.co.za

#OdetoArch

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he Arch, as he is fondly known, has gained a reputation – both locally and abroad – for
his pearls of wisdom, insight into human nature and active role in promoting social
cohesion for a truly democratic South Africa. 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.
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 SACC, from Beyers Naudé in 1987, at the