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Mandisi Dyantyis to Headline the 15th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture
20 November 2025 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
An afternoon of music, meaning, and shared humanity awaits at the 15th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, where Mandisi Dyantyis—one of South Africa’s most soul-stirring musical storytellers—will headline the event. Blending jazz, soul, and spirituality, Dyantyis will bring his signature emotional depth to an occasion dedicated to faith, peace, and unity in a divided world.
Taking place on 20 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), this year’s lecture will serve as a powerful reminder of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s enduring message of compassion, forgiveness, and Ubuntu.
The award-winning composer, vocalist, and trumpeter will perform live, setting an evocative tone that bridges faith and humanity through the universal language of music. Known for captivating audiences with performances that are both intimate and transcendent, Dyantyis’ set will honour Archbishop Tutu’s belief that art has the power to heal and connect the human spirit.
Complementing the musical experience, Dr Shashi Tharoor—renowned author, parliamentarian, and global thought leader—will deliver the keynote address. His lecture will delve into the role of faith and moral courage in an era defined by division and conflict, offering insight into how individuals and communities can reclaim shared humanity in uncertain times.
This year’s Peace Lecture also shines a light on future changemakers, as the Tutu Legacy Foundation Youth School Debate winners take the stage. Hosted in partnership with the Metro East Education District (MEED), the initiative highlights young voices that embody peace in action.
“Our youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the conscience of today. Through debate, dialogue, and creativity, they remind us what peace looks like in action.”
says Janet Jobson, CEO of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
Adding another dimension to the event is the Letters of Peace campaign—a global call for individuals to share what peace means to them through letters, poetry, art, or spoken word. Submissions can be made at www.tutu.org.za/lettersofpeace or shared on social media using #LettersOfPeace and #PeaceInAction. Selected entries will be featured in a live installation during the event.
“Each letter is a reflection of Archbishop Tutu’s legacy—that our humanity is bound up in one another. We look forward to hosting attendees for an unforgettable afternoon of music, wisdom, and collective reflection as we celebrate Ubuntu in action.”
adds Jobson
An inspiring fusion of music and dialogue, the 15th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture invites all to celebrate peace, purpose, and the enduring power of humanity through art.
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