Iconoclasts - Season4 - Richard Branson + Desmond Tutu

Nobel-prize recipient Archbishop Desmond Tutu devotes himself to ending injustice worldwide, fighting HIV and serving as an outspoken advocate for youth at risk. He's also chairman of The Elders, a peacekeeping group that intervenes in conflict areas around the globe, established in part by Sir Richard Branson. Branson, Virgin founder, entrepreneur and renowned adventurer, pledges his time and considerable resources to environmental and humanitarian causes. Join these surprisingly playful spirits and extraordinary allies as they reveal their inspirations and shared belief in the power of the individual to change the world.

Desmond Tutu

ACTIVIST

In 1979, Anglican priest and Bishop of Lesotho Desmond Mpilo Tutu became the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. He spoke strongly and fearlessly against the evil of apartheid, calling on the international community to impose economic sanctions against South Africa towards a non-violent change. In reaction he was vilified by the white-controlled press. The South African government revoked his passport. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and was elected the first black Anglican bishop of Johannesburg. In 1986 he was installed as Archbishop of Cape Town, the highest position in the Anglican Church in South Africa. He continued to be untiring in his denunciation of apartheid, calling for freedom for his people. In 1994, after the end of Apartheid and the election of Mandela as the first President of a free South Africa, Archbishop Tutu was appointed as Chairman of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to investigate apartheid-era crimes. His policy of forgiveness and reconciliation has become an international example of conflict resolution, and a trusted method of post-conflict reconstruction. He continues to pursue an active international ministry for peace.

Richard Branson

ENTREPRENEUR

Sir Richard Branson is the founder and president of Virgin Group. Virgin is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands and has expanded into air and ground travel, telecommunications, financial services, health, space travel and clean energy through more than 200 companies worldwide, employing approximately 50,000 people in 29 countries. Companies include Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Comics, Virgin Galactic, Virgin Money, Virgin Charter, and Virgin America, the new domestic airline. Virgin USA continues to expand in North America and offer consumers value for money, good quality, innovation, exceptional customer service, fun, and a sense of competitive challenge. In 1999, Richard was awarded a knighthood by the Queen for "services to entrepreneurship." In an effort to develop new approaches to social and environmental issues through business and social sector partnerships, Richard founded Virgin Unite, the not-for-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. In September 2006, Richard committed that future proceeds to the Virgin Group's transportation interests will be invested into renewable energy initiatives, representing an estimated investment of $3 billion over the next ten years. Richard also announced a $25 million prize for a viable technology that will result in the net removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases. Recently, he joined Nelson Mandela, GracÌ§a Machel, and Desmond Tutu to form The Elders, a group of independent leaders that will seek sustainable solutions to global humanitarian issues. In December 2007, Richard was recognized by UNCA as Citizen of the Year.

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Photos from this episode:

Image from Richard Branson + Desmond Tutu pairing from ICONOCLASTS Season 4.

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