Mandisi Dyantyis to perform at the 15th annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture

South Africa’s vibrant tapestry of music and narrative will be on full display when acclaimed musical storyteller Mandisi Dyantyis takes centre stage at the 15th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture on 20 November 2025. Hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the event promises to be a poignant exploration of faith, conflict, and the essence of our shared humanity in today’s fractured world..

Known for his enchanting fusion of jazz, soul, and spirituality, Dyantyis's live performance is expected to touch the hearts of many, echoing Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s belief that art and music are vital to healing a nation’s soul. As an award-winning composer and trumpeter, Dyantyis is uniquely positioned to set the emotional tone for what hopes to be an afternoon filled with dialogue and reflection.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Shashi Tharoor, an esteemed author, parliamentarian, and global thought leader. He will delve into the significance of faith and moral courage in a world increasingly characterised by strife, setting the stage for an enriching exchange of ideas that resonates deeply with Tutu’s legacy of compassion and Ubuntu across generations.

In alignment with the Foundation’s goal to cultivate future leaders, the lecture will also recognise the winners of the Tutu Legacy Foundation Youth School Debate, held in partnership with the Metro East Education District (MEED). Janet Jobson, CEO of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, remarked, “Our youth are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the conscience of today.” This sentiment underscores the importance of dialogue, creativity, and debate in shaping a peaceful future.

Adding another layer of interactivity, the event will launch submissions from the Letters of Peace campaign—a global invitation inviting individuals from all walks of life to share their interpretations of peace through letters, poetry, art, or voice. Participants can submit their pieces via www.tutu.org.za/lettersofpeace or share on social media using the hashtags #LettersOfPeace and #PeaceInAction. Selected entries will be showcased in a live installation at the lecture.

The details of the 15th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture are as follows:

• Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025
• Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
• Time: 3pm
• Tickets: Complimentary tickets are available now through Quicket.