Peace took centre stage in the Mother City as Cape Town played host to the Second Rotary Intercountry Committee (ICC) Africa Peace Forum from 25 to 27 April 2025. The landmark biannual event united Rotarians, dignitaries, diplomats, and changemakers from 18 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and renewed their commitment to peacebuilding, intercultural understanding, and collaboration across continents.
The three-day event opened under the leadership of Acting Premier Jaco Londt, who welcomed attendees to a compelling gathering of conversations and powerful presentations by thought leaders and change agents.
Ms. Nomhle Canca, Chairperson of the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, spoke on global peacefulness in a fractured world. Mr Christo van der Reede from the FW de Klerk Foundation explored aspects of positive peace and constitutionalism, while Ms Janet Jobson, CEO of the Desmond AND Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, inspired delegates with insights on sustainable peace through dialogue and conflict resolution.
“This forum proves that peace is not just an abstract ideal but something tangible, local, global — and most importantly, achievable. It’s found in the policies we enact, the trees we plant, the conversations we hold, and the communities we empower,” says PDG Ann Wright, co-coordinator of the Peace Forum.
A Platform for Progress
“As Rotary’s engine rooms for international friendship and grassroots diplomacy, the ICC plays a vital role in strengthening relationships between countries, fostering mutual understanding, and driving impactful peace-building initiatives. Rotary District 9350, which spans Namibia, Angola, and the western half of South Africa, hosted this prestigious event with both dignity and distinction, exemplifying Rotary’s commitment to service and global cooperation.”
A standout moment of the Forum was the prestigious gala dinner held at the Kelvin Grove Club, where His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique and Vice-Chair of the Peace Parks Foundation, delivered a keynote address that left the room both moved and motivated.
“Peace must be planted in homes, classrooms, cultivated in villages and urban neighbourhoods, defended in political forums, and nurtured in the daily decisions we make as leaders and citizens. Peace is a common good, but also a shared responsibility. It cannot be imposed from above. It must be built side by side, respecting cultural diversities, promoting intergenerational dialogue, and responding to the real aspirations of our people,” he said.
He went on to champion environmental conservation as a foundation for peacebuilding, noting that transforming borders into zones of cooperation, and natural areas into spaces for reconciliation is not only strategic but necessary in today’s climate.
President Chissano was so inspired by the Forum’s momentum that he joined delegates the following day for the symbolic unveiling of the new Rotary Peace Garden and Peace Pole.
A Garden for Peace, A Pole for Purpose
An unveiling of the Rotary D9350 Peace Garden and Peace Pole at the Long March to Freedom Bronze Statue Park in Century City, served as a profound conclusion to the forum.
“This was the cherry on the cake,” said Helene Visser, Past Rotary Foundation Chair, who attended all events. “It should be a ‘must-see’ for tourists in Cape Town.”
Rooted in indigenous wild olive and coral flame trees, and framed by the iconic procession of 101 bronze figures celebrating South Africa’s heroes, the Peace Garden is a sanctuary for reflection. Two benches invite visitors to sit, breathe, and contemplate the shared human journey toward peace.
Ann Wright, co-coordinator of the Peace Forum and the driving force behind the Peace Garden project, noted, “The garden is more than a symbol. It’s a space where peace can be nurtured. We’re deeply grateful to Century City and the Long March to Freedom Heritage Project for sharing this space with us.”
The peace pole, inscribed with ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in multiple languages, serves as a powerful reminder of Rotary’s global mission to connect hearts and minds across boundaries.
For more information on the IIC Forum, please visit: https://iccpeaceforum-capetown.org.
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