Media 

“As a unified community, we will become a beacon of light on the African continent and in the world at large.”  

– Archbishop Desmond Tutu 

In the past, cultural differences and poor understanding between people were used to entrench divisions in society.  

For this reason, the Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust concentrates on using multi-media to combat ignorance and address hostility. Research has shown that both the printed word and effective visual and video material make it possible to focus on the positive appreciation of diversity. 

Education 

“We celebrate our diversity in [our] national anthem, a multi-coloured flag and eleven languages!”  

– Archbishop Desmond Tutu 

The foundation of diversity management and the core of creating respect for diversity are to be found in South Africa’s schools. This is why the Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust is dedicated to encouraging learners and educators to develop healthy attitudes to differences in language, culture and religion.  

To achieve this, we have partnered with the Department of Education to supply enlightening resource material like colourful classroom posters and to use performing arts like drama and music to promote culturally-sensitive learning environments. The Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust is also working on The South African Source Book on Culture, as the major resource for a National Quiz on cultural diversity.  

Healthcare 

“If we recognise our own self-worth, we will respect the worth of others and have reverence for life.”  

– Archbishop Desmond Tutu 

Healthcare manifests differently for people of different faiths. To achieve the goal of more culturally-sensitive and competent healthcare, the Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust produces literature on the healthcare needs of people with diverse linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds. 

At present, we intend to partner with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers in distributing our educational material, as well as in formulating and implementing relevant, workable and diversity-friendly policies and procedures. 

Industry 

“The only way we can survive is together, black and white; the only way we can be truly human is together, black and white.”  

– Archbishop Desmond Tutu 

Valuing diversity means creating a workplace that respects and includes differences – recognising the unique contributions that individuals with many types of differences can make and creating a work environment that maximises the potential of all people.  

On this basis, the Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust has tasked itself with providing employers and staff with relevant literature on the workplace potential and needs of those who have diverse linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds. 

Civil Service 

“Our distinction as human beings stems from the fact that we are created in the divine image and are therefore of infinite worth.”  

– Archbishop Desmond Tutu  

In the public sector, in areas such as law enforcement, correctional services and community activities, accurate and relevant information is needed to guide civil servants as to the diverse needs of those they serve and those with whom they work. 

In particular, the Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust provides useful information on religious holy days and festivals; religiously mandated practices, like those relating to food, for example; and diversity-linked conflict resolution. 

Sport 

“We need to recapture – Archbishop Desmond Tutu 

It is important that South African sport begin to operate in a truly diverse and accepting manner, by means of exciting and relevant diversity awareness, training and management.  

The Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust believes that sustainable diversity in this dynamic and promising sphere can only lead to increased mutual understanding, better sportsmanship, and indeed, better results! 

For this reason, The Trust lends support to national sports bodies, coaches, managers, sportsmen, sportswomen and everyone linked to the sports field, via appropriate literature and workshops. 

Your involvement  

The Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust sees as its core business the promotion of diversity awareness. To become involved with The Trust, to help us to achieve its worthy aims and to give something back to a country that has given us the unique blessing of rich diversity, please contact us.