“Upon awakening on Friday morning, June 20, 1913, the native South African found himself, not actually a slave, but a pariah in his native land” (Gish 18). Desmond Tutu is one of the greatest peacemakers there has ever been. It still maintains enormous political and religious influences today. Most people in South Africa and many other countries listen to his voice. Its impact on resolving the apartheid system in South Africa was major. This apartheid system was very segregated between whites and blacks in South Africa. Blacks were forced to move to the so-called "homelands". Blacks had very little land to live on with so many people. These people were oppressed just because they had a different skin color than white people. Despite growing 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 with the name Tutina Desmond Mpilo. He attended several schools throughout his life, including Johannesburg Bantu High School. Tutu's father was a teacher while his mother was a domestic worker. Nowadays, Tutu rarely talks about his ethnic roots. While Tutu was in his early years, the government passed the Natives Land Act. Less than 8% of the country was set aside as “reserve” for blacks. Black people only had this land to live on. Additionally, Desmond contracted polio as a young boy. Polio is a very deadly disease, so hidden life hangs by a thread. Luckily he survived, but with lasting effects. His hands still shake today due to polio as a child. “Life was actually pretty full. It was fun... in the midst of studies... and degrees in his life, and the Nobel Peace Prize was one of them. This, among many other medals, demonstrates his influence on the world. Desmond Tutu grew up in poor communities in South Africa. He overcame this problem to become one of the most influential men through both religion and politics. He can make his voice heard louder than many others and can express his opinions throughout the world. He plays an important role in the religious community, having been 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 still strives to help the world become a better place. He was a key element in fixing the South African apartheid system. Perhaps even without him that system would still be present today. Desmond Tutu is a very influential and exceptional man.