Tutu Defies Prohibition of Protest
New policies in 1989 prohibited any anti-Apartheid activity, ultimately banning any protests and demonstrations. However, Desmond Tutu and hundreds of other priests marched to deliver a petition to President Pieter Botha. The petition stated, "We believe that the government in its actions over recent years, but especially by last week's action, has chosen a path for the future which will lead to violence, bloodshed and instability." Many of the protesters, including Tutu, were arrested and threatened with criminal charges.
August 20, 1989: Tutu Protests
at "Whites Only" Beaches
On August 20, 1989, Desmond Tutu and approximately three-hundred protesters marched past roadblocks, armed policemen, and dogs and had a picnic at two "white only" beaches.
Desmond Tutu being carried on protesters' shoulders during a protest at a "whites only" beach. Courtesy of Eric Miller
Desmond Tutu addressing the crowd of hundreds at a protest. Courtesy of Face2Face Africa
September 13, 1989: Cape Town Peace March
On the 13th of September, 1989, Desmond Tutu organized the largest protest against Apartheid with 30,000 South Africans, both black and white, congregating to fight for the end of Apartheid.
The Cape Town Peace March of 1989. Courtesy of South African History Archive
The Cape Town Peach March, 1989. Courtesy of San Antonio Peace Center
An ABCNews report which covers the expansive Cape Town Peace March led by Desmond Tutu as well as a snippet of a speech given by Tutu at the march. Courtesy of ABCNews.