The Duke of Sussex today vowed to bring up his son Archie with the ‘value of community and friendship’ which he said he had learned on his ten-day tour of southern Africa, after he was reunited with his wife after six days apart.
Prince Harry, 35, spoke as he began the final day of his visit with wife Meghan, 38, as they visited a center in the Johannesburg township of Tembisa to learn about the critical levels of youth unemployment in South Africa.
Harry gave a speech in the open air and, with Meghan beside him, talked about how his father the Prince of Wales brought him to Africa in the months following the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.
Meghan spoke about the ‘astronomical’ potential of those involved in the center, adding that there is’ so much talent here ‘and that when women can’ control their own purse strings… my goodness, you can do anything ‘.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit a Johannesburg township today to learn about critical levels of youth unemployment
Meghan arrives for the engagement in Johannesburg this morning after being reunited with Prince Harry last night
Mish, a local Masterchef winner and entrepreneur with a community catering business, made them refreshments today
Meghan gives a brief speech as she stands alongside Prince Harry in Johannesburg today during their tour of South Africa
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit the township in Johannesburg today to learn about Youth Employment Services
The Duke and Duchess have a walking tour of the hub’s entrepreneurial and skills programs during their visit today
Young people tell Harry and Meghan today about their experiences on the program and the digital skills they have gained
Harry and Meghan visited the digital facility today where Yes helps people with skills and knowledge around financial literacy
Harry and Meghan are today learning about how the Youth Employment Services (Yes) group is creating work opportunities
Meghan is pictured today visiting the Yes hub, which is creating one million new work opportunities over the next three years
Harry said: ‘Ever since I came to this country as a young boy, trying to cope with something I could never possibly describe, Africa has held me in an embrace that I will never forget and feel incredibly fortunate for that.
‘Every time I come here I know that I’m not alone. I always feel wherever I am on this continent that the community around me provides a life that is enriching and is rooted in the simplest things – connection, connection with others and the natural environment.
‘And as I raise my own son, I’m going to make sure that what I’ve learnt here – the value of the natural world, the value of community and friendship – is something that I can pass on to him. ‘
Meghan added: ‘You really have been such an inspiration for us and being here today, from every level of what we’ve seen, there is such a holistic approach to how you have energised and mobilized each other to be part of a bigger change.
Harry and Meghan visited the Yes hub, part of the organization launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2018
The royal couple are welcomed at the hub this morning as they learn about youth unemployment in South Africa
Meghan smiles as Harry pulls a face during the tour before giving his speech to the gathered audience today
Meghan laughs as Harry holds up his hands during her speech at the township in Johannesburg this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave the Youth Employment Services hub today in Tembisa township, Johannesburg
Speaking to a group of young people and fledgling entrepreneurs, Harry gave an impassioned address today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pictured during their visit to Tembisa township in Johannesburg today
Meghan smiles as she enjoys the visit to the Youth Employment Services center in Johannesburg today
Meghan was joined by her husband Harry for the tour today, after they spent nearly a week carrying out solo engagements
Harry and Meghan walk together after both giving speeches to the assembled audience in Johannesburg today
Meghan smiles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit Tembisa township today to learn about youth unemployment
‘There’s so much ingenuity here, there’s so much promise here, that given the right level of support and resources that you need, the potential is astronomical, and you can see that there.
‘And I think for you women, I’m so proud of you and the business you’re creating, and also being able to now control your own purse strings, because when you have that level of independence, my goodness you can do anything.
‘So, thank you for giving us the opportunity to meet with all of you, to be able to feel inspired and for welcoming us so warmly, strongly , beautifully to your country, we’ve loved it. ‘
Harryand Meghan learned about how the Youth Employment Services ( Yes) group is creating one million new work opportunities in the next three years, after it was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2018.
Meghan was on the visit with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s head of communications Sara Latham (right)
Harry said today that the couple are ‘fortunate enough to have a position that gives us amazing opportunities’
Harry said in his speech today that they will ‘seek to challenge injustice and to speak out for those who may feel unheard’
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan leave in a car after visiting the Youth Employment Services hub in Johannesburg today
Meghan and Harry said this morning that they will do ‘everything that we can to play our part in building a better world ‘
Harry spoke about how his father Prince Charles brought him to Africa in the months following the death of his mother Diana
Harry said today that the communities he has visited provide a ‘life that is enriching and is rooted in the simplest things’
In the Aquaponics facility today, a young entrepreneur told the royal couple how the facility has provided opportunities in his community, helping the surrounding area of local restaurants and shops with a supply of fresh local produce
Harry and Meghan both spoke passionately today about their time in southern Africa during the ten-day tour
Meghan looks out from a car as she is driven away following the visit to the township in Johannesburg today
Meghan smiles during the tour of the Youth Employment Services hub in Johannesburg this morning
Prince Harry is watched by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex as he gives a speech at the Youth Employment Services hub today
The couple – who were reunited last night after six days apart on solo parts of the tour – were welcomed at the hub today by Melony Campbell from the British High Commission and Yes chief executive Tashmia Ismail-Saville.
Th e Duchess smiled broadly when she was greeted – and the couple were then ushered inside the Yes hub, a collection of shipping containers and buildings, where they were given a briefing about the initiative.
Speaking to a group of young people and fledgling entrepreneurs, Harry said: ‘Next year we launch our new foundation and it’s moments like today and meeting all of you that inspire us.
‘ Whether supporting young entrepreneurs, empowering women and girls or challenging the issue of gender-based violence, whether it be planting trees, clearing landmines or protecting the most beautiful creatures and places on this planet, these experiences have affirmed our love of Africa and the issues that are so important to us.
Meghan smiles during her visit to the township which saw the couple tour the Youth Employment Services center
Harry and Meghan held hands as they left the stage today after both speaking passionately about the visit to south ern Africa
The royal couple were introduced at the hub today to Youth Employment Services chief executive Tashmia Ismail-Saville
Meghan and Harry both gave speeches in the township today as they praised the African people for their community spirit
Prince Harry and Meghan will learn about how the work opportunities being created by Youth Employment Services
Local young people will tell Harry and Meghan about their experiences on the program in Johannesburg today
The royal couple were welcomed at the hub this morning by a representative from the British High Commission
The Duke and Duchess are having a walking tour of the hub’s entrepreneurial and skills programs this morning
The Yes chief executive is today telling Harry and Meghan about the work and background of the group in Johannesburg
The visit in Johannes burg came as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embark on the final day of their ten-day Africa tour today
The couple, pictured today, have spent the past nine days in southern Africa raising issues they are passionate about
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk up a set of steps as they arrive at the Youth Employment Services hub this morning
Harry and Meghan heard from local young people about their experiences on the program in South Africa this morning
The couple, pictured today, have talked about including wildlife conservation and female empowerment during the tour
Prince Harry and Meghan visit the township in Johannesburg to learn about Youth Employment Services this morning
The Duke and Duchess are going on a walking tour of the hub’s entrepreneurial and skills programs today
Harry and Meghan make a visit today to Yes, which aims to tackle the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa
Meghan brushes her hair as she arrives for the engagement and walks towards the center this morning
‘We will firmly stand up for what we believe, we are fortunate enough to have a position that gives us amazing opportunities and we will do everything that we can to play our part in building a better world.
‘We will also seek to challenge injustice and to speak out for those who may feel unheard. So, no matter your background, your nationality, your age or gender, your sexuality, your physical ability, no matter your circumstance, or color of your skin – we believe in you.
‘We intend to spend our entire lives making sure that you have the opportunity to succeed and change the world. ‘
Ms Ismail-Saville told Harry and Meghan about the work and background of the group while Mish, a local Masterchef winner and entrepreneur with a community catering business, made them refreshments.
The Duke and Duchess also had a walking tour of the hub’s entrepreneurial and skills programs, beginning in the digital facility where Yes helps people with skills and knowledge around financial literacy and computing.
They looked relaxed today and Meghan smiled as they were greeted by Melony Campbell from the British High Commission
The couple are visiting Yes today, which was launched last April by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa
Meghan is today learning about how Yes is creating one million new work opportunities in the next three years in South Africa
The couple today visited the Johannesburg township to learn about the critical levels of youth unemployment in South Africa
The couple looked relaxed and Meghan smiled today as they were greeted before heading inside to be shown around
The royal couple were welcomed at the hub in Johannesburg this morning before being led inside for a tour
Meghan smiled today and the couple looked relaxed as they were greeted before heading inside to be shown around
Melony Campbell from the British High Commission welcomed the royal couple to the hub in Johannesburg today
The visit to the hub today sees the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the final day of their ten-day Africa tour
Harry and Meghan walk up steps into the hub as they learn more about how it is helping youths into work in South Africa
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are shown around the Youth Employment Services Hub in Johannesburg this morning
The couple, pictured today, are on a tour of southern Africa as they raise issues they are passionate about
They are visiting the youth employment center this morning before the tour comes to an end later today
The project visited by Harry and Meghan today aims to tackle the critical issue of youth unemp loyment in South Africa
The couple looked relaxed today as they went around the center in the Johannesburg township to learn about the project
The couple today visited the Yes hub, which is a collection of shipping containers and buildings in Johannesburg
Local young people told Harry and Meghan – who gave a brief speech at the end of their visit – about their experiences on the program and the digital skills they have gained.
In the Aquaponics facility, a young entrepreneur told them how the facility has provided opportunities in his community, helping the surrounding area of local restaurants and shops with a supply of fresh local produce. )
They also visited Blossom Care Solutions to hear from some of the 14 young women being mentored before taking on the program, which produces up to 80, 00 0 compostable and affordable sanitary towels per month.
The couple have spent the past nine days visiting southern Africa and raising issues they are passionate about including wildlife conservation and female empowerment.
The Duke and Duchess have been on tour in southern Africa for ten days, and are in Johannesburg together today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting a township in Johannesburg to learn about Youth Employment Services today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are all smiles this morning at the start of the final day of their Africa tour
The couple walked around the center in a Johannesburg township today to learn about the ambitious employment project
Meghan spoke to the audience, and her husband Harry said that Africa has’ held me in an embrace that I will never forget ‘
Meghan traveled to Tembisa township in Johannesburg with her husband today, and they held hands during the visit
Meghan spoke to an audience this morning after the couple were given a briefing about the initiative in South Africa
Meghan, pictured tod ay, has been on a tour of southern Africa with her husband and son Archie for ten days
At the end of the visit to Johannesburg this morning, Harry gave a speech in the open air with Meghan beside him
Meghan and Harry look relaxed and happy as they arrive to be shown around the center in Johannesburg
Harry today talked about how his father the Prince of Wales brought him to Africa in the months following the death of Diana
Harry and Meghan are taken on a tour around the project in Johannesburg to learn about the initiative today
Meghan is photographed in front of a picture of a zebra as she learns about the Youth Employment Services hub today
The couple are shown around the center in the Johannesburg township today by Yes chief executive Tashmia Ismail-Saville
The couple have spent the past nine days visiting southern Africa, and on their tenth today visited the employment center
The visit in Johannesburg this morning came before the Sussexes later attend a creative industries and business reception
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands as they walked around the center in Johannesburg this morning
During their final day in Johannesburg the couple will also meet Graca Machel, widow of Nelson Mandela, a national figure Harry met during a 2015 visit to South Africa.
Later the Sussexes will attend a creative industries and business reception at the residence of Britain’s High Commissioner to South Africa Nigel Casey.
More than 300 guests will be gathered for the event celebrating the UK and South Africa’s business investment relationship and looking ahead to the Africa Investment Summit being hosted in the UK in 2020.
The tour will come to an end when the Duke and Duchess meet President Ramaphosa, and First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe in Pretoria for a private audience.
‘You are the change-makers’: Prince Harry’s full speech at Youth Employment Services in Johannesburg
Thank you very much Tash for welcoming us to this extraordinary place! I’ve got to be honest, it’s a bit of a whirlwind to cover five countries in nine days, but what a place and what a community to finish on here in Tembisa.
There is no doubt in my mind that you here at the YES hub are the future leaders and pillars of your communities – for many, you already are. You are the change-makers. You are helping to grow your country prosperity by lifting those around you and offering a better future.
This continent is going through a period of change. Africa needs to create 20 million jobs by 2035, and while youth unemployment is a global challenge, it’s particularly a problem here where nearly 57% of young people are unemployed.
Starting adult life in this way can start a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to escape , but you guys are producing solutions, and for that, we commend you.
For this reason, I’m incredibly proud to share that the UK is going to provide £ 8million for a ‘Skills for Prosperity’ program working with the South African Government and other partners.
This program is going to maximise African ingenuity with UK support to fill the gap between the skills that employers urgently need, and the training offered to employees.
In my role as The Queen’s Commonwealth Yout h Ambassador, I am so incredibly fortunate to meet young people who are determined to make a real difference and make their mark on the world through action. Meeting people like you makes me realize that the world is in good hands.
We’re going to see your President this afternoon as well and we will tell him all we have seen and heard. It is so great to see the South Africa – UK relationship so strong.
I have often talked about Africa as my second home, and I’ve often been asked why I love it so much. Well, over these last 9 days I have been trying to put my feelings and experiences into words, which is not easy!
I wanted to try and answer a more specific question for myself – what is the essence of Africa? Why is it so so many visitors feel Africa gets under our skin and into our soul?
Last night I returned from my third visit to the 4th poorest country in the world – Malawi. Despite extreme hardship and ongoing challenges on so many levels, people are generous, they are strong, humble and incredibly optimistic.
I know that there are daily struggles that most of us couldn’t begin to imagine. Yet I have seen strength, resilience, a sense of hope and empathy that I can only aspire to replicate. Ever since I came to this continent as a young boy, trying to cope with something I can never possibly describe, Africa has held me in an embrace that I will never forget, and I feel incredibly fortunate for that.
And every time I come here; I know that I’m not alone. I always feel – wherever I am on this continent – that the community around me provides a life that is enriching, and is rooted in the simplest things – connection, connections with others and the natural environment.
And as I raise my own son, I want to make sure that what I’ve learned here – the value of the natural world, the value of community and friendship – is something that I can pass on to him.
Next year we launch our new foundation and it’s moments like today and meeting all of you, that inspires us. Whether supporting young entrepreneurs, empowering women and girls, or challenging the issue of gender-based violence… Whether it’s been planting trees, clearing landmines, or protecting the most beautiful creatures and places on this planet – these experiences have affirmed our love of Africa, and the issues that are so important to us.
We will firmly stand up for what we believe. We are fortunate enough to have a position that gives us amazing opportunities, and we will do everything that we can to play our part in building a better world.
We will always seek to challenge injustice and to speak out for those who may feel unheard. So no matter your background, your nationality, your age or gender, your sexuality, your physical ability, no matter your circumstance or color of your skin – we believe in you, and we intend to spend our entire lives making sure you have the opportunity to succeed and change the world.
Thank you.
‘The potential is astronomical’: Meghan’s full speech at Youth Employment Services in Johannesburg
There is not much I can add to that, outside saying that on our last day here in South Africa, thank you all so much.
As my husband said so eloquently, you really have been such an inspiration for us and being here today, from every level of what we’ve seen , there is such a holistic approach to how you have energised and mobilized each other to be part of a bigger change.
And on a personal not e seeing the work that’s being done at Blossom is incredible. I have worked with an organization very similar, several years ago in India called Myna Mahila and being able to see that you’re creating a product that is needed within the community you’re be able to become the provider for – everything about the economy and what you need – as opposed to getting it externally, you are feeding yourselves through that work and on top of which being able to enable these women to have the power to own the company is amazing.
But that’s what is amazing and that’s what’s needed because there’s so much talent here. There’s so much ingenuity here, there’s so much promise here, that given the right level of support and resources that you need, the potential is astronomical, and you can see that there. And I think for you women, I’m so proud of you and the business you’re creating, and also being able to now control your own purse strings, because when you have that level of independence, my goodness you can do anything.
So, thank you for giving us the opportunity to meet with all of you, to be able to feel inspired and for welcoming us so warmly, strongly, beautifully to your country, we’ve loved it.
Thank you.
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