Visit to South Africa
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde began their first royal tour of South Africa last week. After visiting Pretoria on Thursday and Friday, the royals arrived in Cape Town on Saturday for the final leg of their visit. Despite a bumpy start with an awkward exchange with President Cyril Ramaphosa, the royals made a number of important visits before their departure.
Visit to learn about the production of a vaccine against COVID-19
One of the most significant visits by the royals was to Afrigen Biologics, a South African biotech company working with two Belgian companies, Univercells and eTheRNA, to develop the first African vaccine against COVID-19. The visit allowed the royalty to learn more about the collaboration between these companies and how they are working together to produce a COVID-19 vaccine that is safe and effective.
Visit to Soweto and Kempton Park
On Friday, before flying to Cape Town, the royals visited Soweto and Kempton Park. These visits gave them a closer look at the lives of South Africans and how they are working to overcome the challenges they face in their daily lives.
Visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
On Saturday, the last day of their tour, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. This garden is one of the most beautiful in the world and is managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute, which is supported by the Flemish government. The royals were impressed by the beauty of the garden and how essential it is for the conservation of South African flora.
One of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens
«We concluded this beautiful visit at Kirstenbosch, a botanical garden inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute, which is supported by the Flemish government. Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world and is essential for the conservation of South African flora,» the monarchs said.
A visit that will help strengthen ties between Belgium and South Africa
After their visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde concluded their tour of South Africa. During their visit, they were able to learn more about the culture and life of South Africans, as well as the collaboration between South African and Belgian companies to combat COVID-19. This royal tour will undoubtedly help to strengthen the ties between Belgium and South Africa and foster cooperation in the future.
