#UK-SouthAfricadiplomaticrelations

[thxnews]

Royal Visit Boosts Youth and Nature in South Africa

Bridging Nations Through Conservation and Youth Empowerment

His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, embarked on a significant two-day visit to South Africa on January 22-23, 2024, marking the first such visit since President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to the UK. This visit, rich in symbolism and substance, underscores the UK and South Africa's shared commitment to youth empowerment and environmental conservation.   Exploring Biodiversity at Pretoria's Botanical Garden The Duke’s tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, alongside South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, and SANBI CEO, Mr. Shonisani Munzhedi, was undoubtedly a highlight. Significantly, this visit underlined the collaboration between the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, and SANBI, aiming to preserve South Africa’s rich plant diversity. Moreover, it served as a testament to the enduring partnership between the UK and South Africa in biodiversity conservation.   Engagement with the President's Award Recipients Significantly, Prince Edward's interaction with the awardees of the President's Award, the international arm of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, stood out during the visit. His meaningful engagement at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Pretoria with the Gold Award winners not only showcased but also reinforced the UK's and South Africa's robust commitment to nurturing the potential of young individuals. Furthermore, the Duke's discussions with these young achievers about their contributions to society served as a powerful highlight. This dialogue underscored the program’s profound impact in fostering leadership and community service, illustrating the transformative effect such initiatives can have on youth and society at large.   Celebrating 41 Years of Youth Development 2024 marks the 41st anniversary of the President’s Award in South Africa, a program supporting approximately 3,000 young South Africans annually. Since its inception in 2011, over 65,000 participants have benefited from the program, which continues to be a beacon of youth empowerment and community development.   Strengthening Science and Education Ties The reception with Dr. Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, celebrated the launch of the UK’s new International Science Partnership Fund. This initiative is a significant step in reinforcing the academic and scientific relationship between the UK and South Africa, further demonstrating their shared values and mutual interests in education and research.   A Legacy of Collaboration and Mutual Growth HRH Prince Edward's visit to South Africa not only represents the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations but also signifies a future of collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges. From youth development to environmental conservation, this visit paves the way for continued cooperation and mutual growth, underlining the shared values and commitments of the UK and South Africa.   Sources: THX News, British High Commission Pretoria, SABC News, & The Royal Family's official website. Read the full article