Young South Africans learn of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's activism for equality

The legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's activism for equality continues to reverberate among young South Africans, many of whom were not born when the clergyman battled apartheid.

South Africa is holding a week of mourning for Tutu, who died Sunday at the age of 90. Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his passionate efforts to win full rights for South Africa's Black majority.

Following the end of apartheid in 1994, when South Africa became a democracy, Tutu chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that documented atrocities during apartheid and sought to promote national reconciliation. Tutu also became one of the world's most prominent religious leaders to champion LGBTQ rights.

Some young South Africans told The Associated Press on Monday that even though they did not know much about him, they knew that he was one of the most prominent figures to help the country become a democracy.

Zinhle Gamede, 16, said she found out about Tutu's passing on social media and has learned more about him over the past 24 hours.