Royal Tour: South Africa – Simply Meghan Markle

Photos & Roundup: October 02 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 10

FROM SUSSEX ROYAL: In Tembisa, Johannesburg, today The Duke and Duchess visited to meet young entrepreneurs at the YES hub – a hive for creativity and social enterprise. Their visit was an amazing tour of the ingenuity and opportunity – seeing businesses that varied from food to essential sanitary products for local women.

During their visit, they were able to sample food from ‘Chef Mish’ – a local masterchef winner – which he makes at the site as part of his catering business and cafe. They then joined YES community members to take part in training and tests that will help them gain skills and find work.

On the third stop today, entrepreneur Moss showed The Duke and Duchess the organic produce he’s growing in the township with aquaponics – supplying local restaurants.

And finally, The Duke and Duchess met the women behind the amazing Blossom Care Solutions – who are making 80,000 sanitary pads every month for women in their community. They are 100% compostable, and provide an essential low-cost product for women and girls.

The Duchess has long campaigned on this issue and wrote in Time magazine in 2017, saying: “In communities all over the globe, young girls’ potential is being squandered because we are too shy to talk about the most natural thing in the world. To that I say: we need to push the conversation, mobilize policy making surrounding menstrual health initiatives, support organizations who foster girls’ education from the ground up, and within our own homes, we need to rise above our puritanical bashfulness when it comes to talking about menstruation.”

FROM SUSSEX ROYAL: Today as they near the end of #RoyalVisitSouthAfrica The Duke and Duchess have been able to spend time with Graça Machel – the politician, humanitarian, and international advocate for women’s and children’s rights.

Their Royal Highnesses were delighted to be able to meet Graça and her family, and talk about their shared passion for their work on equality and human rights.

Graça, who was married to former South African President and anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela, was made an honorary British Dame by Her Majesty The Queen for her contributions and services to human rights protection.

Appearances & Engagements Photos > South Africa Tour > October 02 |South Africa Tour – Day 10 – Set 1
Appearances & Engagements Photos > South Africa Tour > October 02 | South Africa Tour – Day 10 – Set 2

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Photos & Roundup: October 01 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 9

On the final leg of The Duke and Duchesses tour of South Africa, The Duchess of Sussex travelled to Johannesburg for a number of education themed engagements.

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG: Meghan’s first stop was to the University of Johannesburg in her role as Patron of The Association of Commonwealth Universities. The Association of Commonwealth Universities is the world’s first international university network, and is the only accredited organisation representing higher education across the Commonwealth. The ACU manages international scholarship schemes, including The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, and convenes universities to address key policy challenges such as gender and equity, climate resilience, and peace and reconciliation.

During her visit The Duchess of Sussex attended a round-table discussion at the University joining students and educators who openly discussed challenges for girls gaining access to university. Meghan also revealed three new gender grants for the University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University and the University of Western Cape. Of which the grant for Stellenbosch will fund a ‘unique campus walking route’ designed to make both men and women feel safer at university. Duchess Meghan also revealed four new Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships for students from Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria.

ACTIONAID: Next, The Duchess of Sussex visited a local school in Johannesburg to meet with representatives from ActionAid to discuss a range of issues including gender based and sexual violence in schools. Prince Charles is currently the Patron of ActionAid, a charity that is working to achieve social justice and gender equality, and working to eradicate poverty. Focusing specifically on women right’s which is a thread throughout their work. One of the projects Action Aid works with is the Teddy Bear Clinic, which provides essential support to children and families affected by domestic and sexual abuse. After the meeting with representatives The Duchess traveled privately to meet young girls who are being supported by ActionAid and The Teddy Bear Clinic.

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > South Africa Tour > October 01 | South Africa Tour – Day 9 – Set 1
Appearances & Engagements Photos > South Africa Tour > October 01 | South Africa Tour – Day 9 – Set 2

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Photos & Roundup: September 30 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 8

On September 30, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex made a unannounced visit to Johannesburg’s Victoria Yards, a place for artisans and craftspeople to work and share their creations.

Meghan visited several organizations and small businesses including Sneakers 4 Change, an organization that collects and donates sneakers to those who are less fortunate and Young Bucks, a small business that makes books from recycled materials. During the stop, Meghan revealed that she used to teach a bookbinding class. At Sobae Frozen, a small business inspired by a desire to reduce food waste, The Duchess sampled flavors of vegan sherbet made from unused fruit from Victoria Yards.

The Duchess met Tshepo Jeanmaker, a local designer from Soweto who makes custom jeans,he revealed that he received a call from the British Embassy last month requesting he create a pair of jeans for Meghan. He also created a pair of overalls for Archie and was quite surprised that The Duchess picked them up herself.

Meghan also toured Delaney Studio with Contemporary artist James Delaney who works in paint, sculpture, charcoal and print from his studio at Victoria Yards. The Duchess also chatted with several craftsmen and artisans.

At the end of her visit, The Duchess was moved by the original poetry of Belita Andre, the winner of the Poetry Grandslam. In her reading she said: “The Maker’s Valley is a social and enterprise hub, a wave between my corner of the world and yours. Insisting that beyond the anchors of survival. How to make sure that everyone gets to shore, pass around an ocean of stars, not because our sleepless nights are equal but because our dreams are.”

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Appearances & Engagements Photos > South Africa Tour > September 30 | South Africa Tour – Day 8 – Set 1

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Photos & Roundup: September 26 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 4

On September 26, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex made a private visit to the memorial site of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a 19-year-old student who was brutally tortureed, raped and murdered outside of a post office in an act of gender based violence that has been an issue and cause of protest throughout the streets of South Africa.

According to the Sussex Royal Instagram Account Harry and Meghan had been closely following what had happened and were both eager to learn more when they arrived in South Africa. The Duchess even spoke to the mother of Uyinene this week to relay their condolences.

During her visit to the memorial site, Meghan tied a yellow ribbon among the others with “Simi kunye kulesisimo: We stand together in this moment” written in Xhosa. This trip was incredibly important to the Duchess as she wanted to recognize Uyinene, and all women and girls effected by Gender Based Violence (specifically in South Africa, but also throughout the world).

Sussex Royal also revealed that Meghan has taken on a number of private visits and meetings over the last two days to deepen her understanding of the current situation and continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls.

On Thursday morning, The Duchess also attended a private breakfast for “Women In Public Service” at the High Commission in Cape Town. The invited guests have played a role in the development of South Africa’s institutions, and continue to advocate for women’s rights, education and healthcare. No photos from this event have been released yet and at the time reporters said we would hear more about it “later this week”.

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Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 26 | South Africa Tour – Day 4 – Set 1

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Photos & Roundup: September 25 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 3

ARCH MEETS ARCHIE: Day 3 of the Royal Tour had an exciting start as The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduced their son five month old son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe. The Archbishop is a globally respected figure in the anti-apartheid movement, a champion of equality, and has spent his life battling injustice. Their Royal Highnesses joined The Archbishop and Thandeka at their Tutu and Leah Legacy Foundation in Capetown to learn more about the work of the foundation, which which contributes to the development of youth and leadership, facilitates discussions about social justice and common human purposes. Prince Harry previously met Archbishop Tutu during his 2015 tour of South Africa, when he presented him with an honor in recognition of his services to U.K. communities and international peace. Niclas Kjellstromn-Matseke, chairman of the Desmond and Leah Legacy Foundation said of the meeting: “Archbishop Tutu met the Queen and had a great relationship with her and here is her grandson,” he says. “This is a generational thing. This is a hand over from the elderly to the younger.”

During their visit the couple were given a tour of the foundation where displays marking the anti-apartheid clergyman’s life and work are held, and were presented with a large amount of gifts including framed photographs of Harry’s mom Diana meeting late President Nelson Mandela in 1997, (he even gave an extra for Harry to give to Prince William), children’s books written by the Archbishop (Children of God Storybook Bible and Desmond and the Mean Word), a children’s songbook). a book containing the work of anti-apartheid poet Patricia Schonstein and the Book of Joy, signed by the Archbishop and the Dalai Lama, and matching beaded bracelets handmade by members of Ikamva Labantu, which works in Cape Town focusing on early childhood development, after-school initiatives and the well-being of elder people.

WOMEN & BABIES: Since Meghan’s engagement to Prince Harry she has made it clear the her focus would be on supporting women’s education, health, entrepreneurship and leadership and this engagement clearly puts a spotlight on that. In her first solo engagement of this tour while Prince Harry travels to Botswana, The Duchess visited The Woodstock Exchange for a ‘Ladies who Launch’ event where she met female entrepreneurs and investors working in technology. Meghan joined a panel discussing a number of topics including their businesses, struggles and triumphs, women supporting women, and motherhood. As Meghan departed she shared a special moment with a group of individuals who she gave a group hug to and a young girl who cried upon meeting Meghan.

In her second solo engagement Duchess Meghan visited Mothers2Mothers, an organization that trains and employs women living with HIV as community health workers. These “Mentor Mothers” work in local communities and at understaffed health facilities to ensure that women and their families get the health advice and medication they need, are linked to the right clinical services, and are supported on their treatment journey. The employment enables Mentor Mothers to gain financial security for themselves and their families. By virtue of being professionalised, Mentor Mothers become role models, putting a face to empowered, strong, and healthy HIV-positive women, and thereby helping to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

During her visit The Duchess met with staff, clients, mothers and their children to hear about their work and how they have been supported. Following her “community not charity” motto The Duchess of Sussex donated two large bags of Archie’s clothing that he has outgrown as well as clothing donations from her friends who have children and coloring books, and pencils. Meghan said: “It’s so important we’re able to share what’s worked for our family and know that we’re all in this together with each other. So we wanted to share something from our home to each of yours.”

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Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 25 | South Africa Tour – Day 3 – Set 1
Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 25 | South Africa Tour – Day 3 – Set 2

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Photos & Roundup: September 24 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 2

MONWABISI BEACH: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Monwabisi Beach to learn about Waves For Change. Also known as, The Isiqalo Foundation, Waves For Change is a non profit organization that uses surfing as therapy for young adults in communities affected by violence, poverty and conflict, where mental health services are often stigmatized and under-resourced. Working in partnership with local community members they identify, train and resource mentors, who they work with to open programmes that service the youth of their own home communities.

Upon their arrival Harry and Meghan met founding director Tim Conibear and mentors of the organization before joining coaches and mentors in a mindfulness session, an activity which is designed to build confidence and resilience. which includes warm up dancing and clapping, a “power hand” activity, and meditation. Meghan revealed parenting is a new strength that she and Harry are learning and developing. Saying “He’s the best dad.” and he said “She’s the best mum.”.

LUNCHBOX FUND: The couple also met staff from the Lunchbox Fund, which helps vulnerable children in the country get an education by providing 30,000 nutritious school meals daily to schools and Waves For Change programmes across South African townships and rural areas. The Lunchbox Fund was one of four charities chosen by Harry and Meghan to benefit from the generous donations made by the public on the the birth of their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Meghan chatted intently about some of the meals on offer, saying: “You need this after a long day.” The couple also talked to Dr Thomas Maes, Director of the Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP) about the impact of micro plastics in the ocean and looked through a microscope at some of his samples.

AUWAL MOSQUE: In the afternoon, The Duke and Duchess traveled to Bo Kaap, a area in Capetown. The couple first visted Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa. Harry and Meghan were greeted by mam Sheikh Ismail Londt and Muslim community leader, Mohamed Groenwald. The couple spent time speaking with students and representatives of various faiths to discuss the strength of interfaith dialogue in Cape Town. The couple also viewed the country’s first known manuscript which was created by Tuan Guru purely from memory during his imprisonment on Robben Island.

HERITAGE DAY: Afterwards, The Duke and Duchess greeted the eager crowds waiting to catch a glimpse of them as they walked the streets observing the Heritage Day celebrations. Heritage Day, is a public holiday celebrating the great diversity, belief and traditions that make up the rainbow nation of South Africa. To end the festivities Harry and Meghan visited the home of local resident Shamiela Sanodien for dessert and tea.

YOUNG LEADERS: Harry and Meghan concludeD their packed day with a reception at the British High Commissioner’s Residence where they met young leaders and inspiring opinion-formers underpinning the rich and diverse nature of the UK’s partnership with Africa.

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Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 23 | South Africa Tour – Day 2 – Set 2
Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 23 | South Africa Tour – Day 2 – Set 2
Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 23 | South Africa Tour – Day 2 – Set 3

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Photos & Roundup: September 23 – Royal Visit South Africa – Day 1

NYANGA TOWNSHIP: The first stop on the tour was to the township of Nyanga, whose name means ‘moon’ in the local dialect of Xhosa, it is one of the oldest black townships in Cape Town and was established in 1946 as a result of the migrant labor system. At present time unemployment is above 50 per cent and HIV/Aids is a community issue. The community also has the highest murder rate in the country and tops the lists for car jackings and house robberies. Last year there were a reported 308 murders.

In this town The Duke and Duchess visited the Justice Desk initiative, which teaches children about their rights, self-awareness and safety, and provides self-defense classes and female empowerment training to young girls in the community. The Justice Desk is supported by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, of which Harry serves as President and Meghan as Vice-President. While there the Duke and Duchess met Jessica Dewhurst, Justice Desk Founder and Queen’s Young Leader, Theodora Luthuli, Justice Desk Community Leader, and Sylvia Hobe, Theodora’s mother and the center’s founder. Harry and Meghan observed the Mbokodo project which provides self-defense classes and female empowerment workshops to young girls who are overcoming major traumas. This project’s powerful motto is “wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo” which means “you strike a woman; you strike a rock” before getting the chance to talk with the girls.

Following the tour of the center, Harry and Meghan both made fantastic speeches which you can view here. Meghan said in part: “While I am here with my husband as a member of the Royal Family, I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of color, and as your sister. I am here with you and I am here for you.” The couple were then presented with a South African Xhosa name for their son Archie, “Ntsika” which means pillar of strength which was given to him by the township’s godmothers, referred to as Gogo’s. In a fun spontaneous moment at the end of the engagement Meghan joined in with the women who were dancing upon their departure. I’m sure this moment will be a favorite of many today.

DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM: In their second engagement of the day The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the District Six Museum. District Six Museum is located in an old Methodist church in the former inner-city residential area. The District Six Foundation was founded in 1989 and the museum in 1994, as a memorial to the forced movement of 60,000 inhabitants of various races in District Six during Apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. The Duke and Duchess toured the museum viewing the old traffic signs, exhibits of historical moments and lives of families from the area, historical declarations, exhibits about the demolition, and hand written notes of former inhabitants, which indicate where their houses were located.

After a short walkabout, Harry and Meghan went to the nearby Homecoming Centre where they joined former residents of District Six in a community cooking workshop. The Duke and Duchess were treated to food cooked by local women that showed a variety of recipes. This engagement goes hand in hand with Meghan’s work with the Hubb Kitchen back in London, which showcases the importance of how cooking can bring a community together. It was reported that Meghan did indeed gift the local women a copy of her ‘Together’ cookbook.

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Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 23 | South Africa Tour – Day 1 – Set 1
Appearances & Engagement Photos > Engagements in 2019 > South Africa Tour > September 23 | South Africa Tour – Day 1 – Set 2