News Release

A Royal Prince Visits South Africa

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received an invitation to attend Prince Harry’s recent visit to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory on 3 Dec 2015. South Africa National Public Affairs Director, Robert O’Friel and his wife Edith, attended the auspicious event and were able to meet amongst others, Mr Lee Davies, Communications Systems Coordinator for the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.

The Prince commenced his address by thanking Ms. Graca Machel for inviting him to join all of those who knew him best to remember Madiba. He remembered fondly his first meeting with Mandela a number of years ago. Although having been to South Africa many times, this was his first official tour on behalf of the Queen and he was anxious to see how Mr Mandela’s values and legacy have been inspiring the next generation and shaping the future for South Africa.

He also mentioned that he had visited a number of organisations over the last four days who are supporting some of the most disadvantaged young people across the country, who are helping to unlock the huge talent in youth in South Africa.  Among these organizations he said, was the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which is empowering the next generation of engaged South African citizens. He felt that the Centre for Memory is opening up history to help guide the future and that he was sure that Madiba would be pleased to see such great work being carried in his name giving inspiration to so many.

Prince Harry also alluded to the earlier meeting in the day which he had with President Zuma during which he discussed the support to the conservationists who are fighting to protect South Africa’s natural heritage, especially its critically endangered animals. Much of this work he said is a burden that South Africa bears on behalf of the entire world and is now gathering momentum and support in this urgent task.

In closing, before heading off to the airport, Prince Harry said that he could think of no better way of ending his visit to South Africa than by joining all present to remember Madiba as people throughout the world approach the anniversary of his passing.  He continued his remarks, saying that he knew Nelson Mandela is missed by a generation, a nation and most keenly by his family and that he will never be forgotten. He ended his comments by thanking all the South Africans he had met over the last few days for the incredibly warm welcome and hospitality shown to him. 

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