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"Albert John Luthuli… fought to implant the idea of justice in the
individual, in the nation, and among the nations… Nothing has shaken him
from this firm resolve, so firmly rooted is his conviction that violence
and terror must not be employed. Albert John Luthuli's fight has been waged
within the borders of his own country; but the issues raised go far beyond
them. He brings a message to all who work and strive to establish respect
for human rights both within nations and between nations.”
Excerpts from the presentation speech by Gunnar Jahn, Chairperson of
the Nobel Committee, 10 December 1961
Born in 1898, Luthuli's commitment to African freedom and development
earned him the respect of people of goodwill throughout the world. But
at home, the authorities hated and feared him. In 1952, he was banned
by the government. The ban – which also prohibited him from publishing
any written material – was renewed in 1954 and again in 1959.
In December
1961, the ban was temporarily lifted so that Luthuli and his wife, Mrs
Nokukhanya Luthuli, could attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo,
Norway.
Luthuli continued with his political work until shortly before
he died in 21 July 1967 in circumstances that were never satisfactorily explained.
- Luthuli was vocal in his strong belief that all South Africans
should be afforded access to equal education.
- His political approach
was based on his Christian values and Biblical principles.
- Luthuli's sincerity, loyalty and commitment to African freedom and
development earned him the respect of people of goodwill in South Africa
and throughout the world.
Read more about Albert Luthuli...
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