“Waking on Friday morning, June 20, 1913, the South African native found himself, not really a slave, but an outcast in his native country” (Gish 18). Desmond Tutu is one of the greatest peace agitators who ever lived. It still retains enormous political and religious influences today. Most people in South Africa and many other countries hear his voice. His impact on repairing the apartheid system in South Africa was major. This apartheid system was very segregated between whites and blacks in South Africa. Black people were forced to settle in what were called “homelands”. Black people had very little land to live with so many people. These people were oppressed only because they had a different skin color than white people. Although he grew up in poverty in South Africa, Desmond Tutu used his religious and political influences to help black South Africans who were being segregated by the South African government. Born in Klerksdorp, Transvaal, South Africa, Desmond Tutu was born as Desmond Mpilo Tutu. He attended several schools throughout his life, including Johannesburg Bantu High School. Tutu's father was a school teacher while his mother was a domestic worker. These days, Tutu rarely discusses its ethnic roots. While Tutu was in its early years, the government passed the Native Land Act. Less than eight percent of the country was devoted to “reservations” for blacks. Black people only had this land to live on. On top of that, Desmond caught polio when he was young. Polio is a very deadly disease, so the hidden life was hanging by a thread. Fortunately, he survived, but with lasting consequences. To this day, his hands still shake from polio as a child. “Actually, life was busy. It was fun... middle of paper... and diplomas during his lifetime, and the Nobel Peace Prize was one of them. This medal, among many others, shows his influence on the world. Desmond Tutu grew up in poor communities in South Africa. He overcame this to become the most influential man both religiously and politically. He can make his voice heard louder than many others and he can express his opinions across the world. He plays a major role in the religious community, having served as archbishop in many places. Many strong and powerful government officials believe what Tutu has to say and express his opinion through politics. Desmond Tutu is still alive today. He always strives to help the world become a better place. He played a major role in repairing the South African apartheid system. Perhaps even without him, this system would still be present today. Desmond Tutu is a very influential and wonderful man.