About Us
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is perhaps best known for his part in the struggle for freedom in apartheid South Africa, as a priest and bishop, for being a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and for chairing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). He is also a man of immense moral authority, a pioneer for peace and non-violent resolution to
conflict and non-racism, and a remarkable leader. Whilst being a deeply devoted Christian in his religious beliefs he has always emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue and religious inclusiveness.
Mrs. Tutu has championed many causes, including those of women. From 1976 to 1984 she served as the Director for the Domestic Workers and Employers Project of the South African Institute of Race Relations. She has travelled widely and lectures to women and youth groups, university audiences and professional associations on various aspects of
South African life. In June 2000 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the National Louis University for her commitment to human rights and her support for her husband’s work, and in July 2005 she received the Order of Simon of Cyrene in recognition of her commitment and contribution to the Church.
The Tutu Foundation UK promotes Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s and Mrs Leah Tutu’s experience of truth and reconciliation and promotes the virtues and qualities that the Archbishop and his wife signify such as non-racism, no tolerance for intolerance, equality for all and extraordinary leadership.
- The Foundation is a permanent commemoration of their work and an icon of good practice in conflict reconciliation.
- The Foundation has the full support of the Tutus and is working in close cooperation with them to establish aims and programmes.
- Tutu Foundation UK's distinctive reflects the core value that we are all members of the same family - we can only prosper, be safe and survive together – and hence – we can be human only together.
The Tutu Foundation UK is a registered charity (No. 1116030) and Company limited by guarantee (No. 05074544).
What people say about the Foundation:
“The Prince's Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with The Tutu Foundation UK. The values and ethos on which the Foundation is based have huge appeal and credibility. Communities in the UK and young people in particular have a great deal to gain from this work. But it is the Foundation's approach of adding to, rather than replacing, existing programmes and projects which makes this such an exciting and positive partnership.”
Peter Lister, Head of Strategic Partnerships, The Prince’s Trust
“Community Foundations are significant funders of grassroots organisations in the UK working to reclaim young lives at risk. We welcome the insights that the Tutu Foundation UK brings from overseas about what works, and their capacity to support local groups and to bridge build between local people and policy makers is very much needed - now.”
Stephen Hammersley, Chief Executive, Community Foundation Network
“Established in 1945, Henley is an international business school with the core purpose of developing managers and leaders worldwide. Henley has committed itself to being part of the future of South Africa by launching the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Scholarship Programme for Ethical Leadership. Henley Management College is delighted to be working with the Tutu Foundation UK on a unique programme for the benefit of young people in the UK which reflect the core values which are so important in ensuring that the youth of today can become the leaders of tomorrow.”
June Sebley, Director of Development, Henley Management CollegeGovernance
The Foundation has 7 Trustees and 7 Members of the Council of Advice, and one Director and a growing team of staff and volunteers.
Council of Advice
- Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman
- Mr Michael Holman
- Archbishop Emeritus Walter Paul Khotso Makhulu
- H. E. Lindiwe Mabuza
- The Hon Sir Shridath Ramphal
- The Rt Hon The Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington
- Mr Euan Wilmshurst
- The Very Revd Colin Slee (Chairman)
- Mr Malcolm Alexander
- Mr Tarig Hilal
- Mr Peter King
- Ms Sally Muggeridge
- Mrs Edith Slee
- General the Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE
The Team
The Tutu Foundation UK’s team includes: David Evans (CEO) has worked for the last 17 years has been in the NGO sector, working for a variety of organisations in the UK in the area of homelessness and financial literacy; for Tearfund, an international relief and development charity More recently he has worked as a freelance consultant in the field of organisational development, specifically in the NGO sector. His work has taken him to many countries in Africa (including Rwanda, DRC, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe) and beyond (including Myanmar) where conflict, oppression and injustice are holding back development. David is the author of two books: From Strangers to Neighbours and Creating Space for Strangers.
Lesley Bilinda (Programme Development) was originally a midwife and worked in Rwanda. She was married to a Tutsi Anglican clergyman who was murdered in the 1994 genocide. Her experiences since then have led her deeply into the issues of forgiveness and reconciliation as she has returned to Rwanda and met those who may have been linked with her husband’s death. Lesley has worked with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the last few years, most notably on the BBC series Facing the Truth in which the Archbishop led a process of bringing former combatants together with the relatives of their victims. Lesley is the author of two books: The Colour of Darkness and With What Remains.
Dorothee Njindou (CorporateRelations & Community Affairs) has recently completed her MBA specialising in Corporate Social Responsibility. She has a background in fund raising for multi-million pound initiatives wirth Working Links which movesjobseekers into sustainable employment, oversight of grant allocations with the Learning & Skills Council and in corporate communications.
Our Vision
The Tutu Foundation UK’s vision is of a world in which we are human in fellowship, in community, in peace.
Working in Partnership
On an practical level, the Foundation seeks to be an efficient and goal-orientated organisation. working in partnership with best practice organisations and to supplement and build upon tried and tested successful project models. This way the Foundation will not duplicate efforts already undertaken in the charity sector, but rather complement and strengthen ongoing efforts.
The Tutu Foundation UK has an equal opportunities policy which can be found here.