His Royal Highness Prince Charles visits UCT
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 05 November 2011 16:35
- Written by Olivia Wainwright and Pasqua Heard
On Saturday 5 November, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales addressed the University of CapeTown community on climate change. The speech was given in the Jameson Hall which over 1000 people attended.
The event was held in conjunction with the formal introduction of the new Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark New and the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), which he plays a significant role in. The event ran on the eve of COP17, which is taking place in Durban in late November.
The audience was prompted to stand upon the arrival of His Royal Highness while the UCT Singer’s Choir and UCT Choir joined together to welcome his arrival. Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Max Price, introduced the Prince, highlighting that it is not the first time UCT has accommodated royalty. The last royal visit was from the Queen Mother in 1987.
Dr. Max Price also introduced Mark New and elaborated on the ACDI. He spoke of the role UCT has to play in this initiative saying, “The first place to start is to get our own house in order.” He also stated that as an institute UCT would be reporting its progress annually.
His Royal Highness began by jesting, “I am touched that so many of you decided to come here on your Saturday afternoon.”
He proceeded to touch on the issues of climate change that affect South Africa, the continent and the globe. He stressed the need for countries to come together to combat climate change.
A sub-theme in his speech referred to the global marine environment and the issue of the exploitation of fisheries. He commended South Africa’s progress in effectively managing hake sustainability.
The Prince also provided his view on investment. “…Investors could be encouraged to take a more considered approach, and to incorporate not only an assessment of the financial returns but also what can be achieved socially and environmentally.”
One other topic the Prince addressed was that of land. He questioned, “I wonder if greater returns could come for Africa if attention were paid to backing the continent’s millions of smallholders?” He went on to say, “…Smallholders typically understand the complexity of their local environment.” He commended Pick n Pay for setting an example by partnering with smallholders.
The Prince closed his speech with former President Nelson Mandela’s words, “It always seems impossible, until it is done.”
The event concluded with Dr. Max Price presenting two gifts to His Royal Highness – the transcript of the speech the Queen Mother made at her honorary degree ceremony at UCT, as well as a collection of photos of the same ceremony.