One of South Africa’s most captivating musical storytellers, Mandisi Dyantyis, will headline this year’s Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, bringing his signature blend of jazz, soul and spirituality to an afternoon that confronts and addresses faith, conflict, and our shared humanity in a fractured world.
Taking place on 20 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the 15th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture promises to be a powerful intersection of art, dialogue, and hope, reminding audiences why Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s message of compassion and Ubuntu continues to resonate across generations.
Award-winning composer, vocalist and trumpeter Mandisi Dyantyis will perform live, setting the emotional tone for an evening that bridges faith and humanity through music.
Known for his ability to hold audiences spellbound, Dyantyis’ performance will pay tribute to Archbishop Tutu’s belief that music and art are essential to healing the soul of a nation.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr Shashi Tharoor, acclaimed author, parliamentarian, and global thought leader, who will explore the role of faith and moral courage in a world increasingly defined by conflict.
Underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, this year’s Lecture will also spotlight the winners of the Tutu Legacy Foundation Youth School Debate, hosted in partnership with the Metro East Education District (MEED) earlier this year. “Our youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the conscience of today,” says Janet Jobson, CEO of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. “Through debate, dialogue, and creativity, they remind us of what peace looks like in action.”
The event will also unveil submissions from the Letters of Peace campaign, a global invitation for people everywhere to share what peace means to them through letters, poetry, art, or voice. You don’t need to attend the lecture to take part; everyone is welcome to submit via www.tutu.org.za/lettersofpeace or post on social media using #LettersOfPeace and #PeaceInAction. Selected entries will feature in a live installation at the event.
“Each letter is a reflection of Archbishop Tutu’s legacy, that our humanity is bound up in one another,” adds Jobson. “We look forward to hosting attendees for an unforgettable afternoon of music, wisdom, collective reflection and celebrate Ubuntu in action, through the voices, notes, and stories that continue to shape our nation’s soul.”
Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Time: 3pm
Complimentary Tickets: Available now via Quicket.
