Not being neutral in situations of injustice: solidarity for peace in Cape Town

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." These powerful words from Archbishop Desmond Tutu framed Peace Boat’s visit to Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday, May 23, as part of the Time for Peace project. The day brought together Peace Boat participants and staff, Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors), and local partners in a powerful exchange of history, testimony, and shared commitment to a nuclear-free and just world.

Exchange Onboard Peace Boat

The program began onboard Peace Boat, where guests from the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), and other local partners were welcomed. Visitors toured the Nobel Peace Center’s exhibition “A Message to Humanity,” which is traveling with the ship to bring stories of peace and resistance to communities worldwide.

A highlight of the onboard program was the opportunity to meet Hibakusha survivors Ito Masao and Kuramori Teruko, who shared deeply personal testimonies of their experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Their voices reminded all in attendance of the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons, and the urgent responsibility to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.

In solidarity with ongoing struggles for justice, a banner was also displayed on the ship calling for an end to the killing in Gaza. This marked Peace Boat’s support for South Africa’s leadership in utilising international law to challenge genocide at the International Court of Justice, and its call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a lasting and just peace agreement.

Honoring South Africa’s Legacy

Following the onboard exchange, participants visited the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation for a guided tour of its permanent exhibition. Learning about Archbishop Tutu’s lifelong dedication to peace, justice, and reconciliation offered powerful inspiration and a reminder of the moral courage needed to confront violence and oppression in all forms.

The visit was followed by the public event “Journey Towards a Nuclear-Free World,” where reflections on the struggle against apartheid and the global campaign against nuclear weapons were brought into dialogue. For Peace Boat participants, many of whom are traveling around the world with Hibakusha, connecting with Tutu’s legacy was especially meaningful. His life’s work affirmed the shared struggle against militarism, injustice, and oppression—whether in South Africa, Northeast Asia, or elsewhere.

Building Momentum for a Nuclear-Free World

During the event, Zaheer Laher of the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation shared remarks underscoring the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. He emphasized the importance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), recalling South Africa’s unique history as the first country to voluntarily dismantle its nuclear arsenal. South Africa will take on a leadership role once again next year as President of the first Review Conference of the TPNW, continuing its legacy of advancing global nuclear disarmament.

Mr. Laher also highlighted the indispensable role of Hibakusha and civil society in ensuring that nuclear disarmament remains grounded in human experience and moral urgency.

Deep Gratitude and Shared Commitments

The day’s events in Cape Town highlighted the deep connections between global struggles for justice—whether the fight against apartheid, the call for a nuclear-free world, or the urgent demand for peace in Gaza. They also underlined the importance of partnerships across borders and sectors in building a more just and peaceful future.

Peace Boat extends heartfelt gratitude to the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, SAFCEI, government representatives, and all our South African partners for their hospitality, solidarity, and shared vision. Encounters such as these strengthen our collective determination to work for a nuclear-free world rooted in justice, reconciliation, and human dignity.