Desmond Tutu, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Pretoria
- Last updated on
Hot news
- Rumor January 2026
- Buzz January 8, 2026
According to a reliable source, Nobel Peace Prize 1984 Desmond Tutu is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the religious figure's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 08/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Tutu for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 94-year-old religious figure, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Tutu so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the religious figure have already been named ‘South African Of The Year’ by some major South African newspapers and even ‘Klerksdorp Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Klerksdorp (Desmond Tutu's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the religious figure was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Desmond Tutu Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 7 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveDesmond”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 7 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Desmond Tutu?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 7 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Desmond Tutu?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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