The Duke of Edinburgh celebrates youth and biodiversity in South Africa
HRH Prince Edward's visit marked the first of its kind since President Ramaphosa바카라 사이트檚 State Visit to the UK
His Royal Highness Prince Edward The Duke of Edinburgh has spent the last two days in South Africa (22 바카라 사이트� 23 January), marking the first Royal visit of its kind since President Ramaphosa바카라 사이트檚 historic State Visit to the UK in November 2022.聽
During the visit, His Royal Highness met Acting President Mashatile at Oliver Tambo House.
Alongside Ms Barbara Creecy, South Africa바카라 사이트檚 Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, The Duke explored Pretoria바카라 사이트檚 Botanical Garden with CEO of the South African National Institute (SANBI), Mr Shonisani Munzhedi. This followed President Ramaphosa바카라 사이트檚 visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and marked the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa바카라 사이트檚 rich plant diversity.
HRH met a wheelchair user and her husband who are regular users of the Enabling Garden, to learn about the different indigenous plants suitable for hanging baskets. He learnt about some of South Africa바카라 사이트檚 abundant flora biodiversity and medicinal plants, as well as viewing the National Herbarium where the largest collection of plant specimens in southern Africa are hosted (with over one million currently being digitised).
HRH met biodiversity organisations to hear about how they are conserving nature and reversing biodiversity loss.
At the British High Commissioner바카라 사이트檚 Residence, The Duke toured an exhibition of President Award winners, moving from stand to stand to talk to young people about their journeys, alongside Award Chairman Modise Makhene and Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Kwati Candith Mashego-Dlamini.
This year, the President바카라 사이트檚 Award (The Duke of Edinburgh International Award) celebrates its 41st anniversary in South Africa.
Launched in 1994 with Nelson Mandela as the Founding Patron-in-Chief, the Award
today continues to serve as a shining example of our shared values of youth empowerment, community service and creating opportunities for all.
The Award supports approximately 3,000 young South Africans each year. Since 2011, over 65,000 young people are estimated to have participated in the programme.聽
HRH also attended a Reception at the Residence with Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, to celebrate the launch of the UK바카라 사이트檚 new International Science Partnership Fund.
UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:
바카라 사이트淭his visit reflects the significant breadth and depth of our modern-day friendship with South Africa 바카라 사이트� from youth empowerment, to climate, science research, biodiversity and democracy - our countries바카라 사이트� shared values are clear. Continued collaboration and investment in these areas of mutual interest demonstrate our commitment to working together to address some of the world바카라 사이트檚 most pressing challenges.바카라 사이트�
For media enquiries and photos, please contact: media.southafrica@fcdo.gov.uk