Harry and Meghan to visit troubled South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: Prince Harry, his wife Meghan and their infant son Archie are making their first official tour as a family in a troubled South Africa, whose president says women and children are “under siege” by shocking violence.

South Africa is still shaken by the rape and murder of a university student that sparked protests by thousands of women tired of abuse and impunity in a country where over 100 rapes are reported daily.

This is “one of the most unsafe places in the world to be a woman,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.

Empowering women is one of the issues Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will address on a 10-day, multi-country visit, along with wildlife protection, entrepreneurship, mental health and mine clearance – a topic given global attention by Harry’s late mother Princess Diana when she walked through an active minefield during an Africa visit years ago.

Some in South Africa said they were happy to see the arrival of Meghan, who has been vocal about women’s rights and will likely speak out again. One of her first events is a visit to a workshop that gives self-defence classes to young girls.

“I think the Duchess of Sussex’ visit is perfectly timed. She’s coming to South Africa at an incredibly turbulent time,” said Lara Rosmarin, who leads a local tech incubator that will be part of the royal visit.

“People are anxious, people are scared, people are worried ... she’s coming at a time when she can instill some hope and promise, and perhaps highlight the struggles of women in South Africa.”