Skip to content

Meet Chris
- Legislation
- Voting Record
Issues
News
Services
Contact

Meet Chris
- Legislation
- Voting Record
Issues
News
Services
Contact

Search

Mobile Nav Open

Mobile Navigation Close

Meet Chris
- Legislation
- Voting Record
Issues
News
Services
Contact

Search

June 6, 2016

2016.6.1 Sen. Coons CODEL to South Africa

Welcome to South Africa! I led a congressional delegation to Johannesburg and Cape Town from June 1-5 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy's historic trip to South Africa.

First stop: an South African poultry farm and egg laying facility.

Great visit to the farm of Willie Bosoga with members of the U.S. Embassy staff.

Learning about the egg laying operation.

Inspecting the egg laying facilities.

Visiting South African poultry importer. Glad to see chicken from the Delmarva peninsula here in Johannesburg!

Honored to receive a copy of South Africa's Freedom Charter from Dr. Zweli Mkhize, Treasurer-General of the African National Congress.

Arriving at the Liliesleaf farmhouse, site where the anti-apartheid movement was planned.

Privileged to visit such an historic site with Congressman John Lewis, a hero of America's own civil rights movement.

Listening to and learning from former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe as we walk the grounds at Liliesleaf.

Fascinating discussion with anti-apartheid stalwarts at Liliesleaf on the legacy of apartheid.

Group photo with my congressional delegation, the 'Ripples of Hope' delegation, and anti-apartheid stalwarts. Many thanks to our hosts at Liliesleaf, the Faith and Politics Institute, and RFK Human Rights.

Honored to listen to Max Sisulu, son of Walter Sisulu, about his memories of the anti-apartheid struggle.

Signing the guest book at Nelson Mandela's home in Soweto.

Trying on fashionable shades at The Box Shop, an exciting business hub for young African entrepreneurs in Soweto. Thank you to Citi Bank and TechnoServe for helping to make sure these goods can get to market.

Reconnecting with Reverend Paul Verryn of the South African Council of Churches, for whom I worked nearly 30 years ago.

Powerful to see Congressman John Lewis embrace Archbishop Desmond Tutu, two icons of faith and civil rights in America, South Africa, and around the world.

Among many highlights of the trip, perhaps nothing was greater than hearing the inspiring words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Couldn't resist including another photo of my conversation with this remarkable and inspiring leader.

Speaking to fellows participating in the Young African Leaders Initiative, future leaders on the continent.

Preparing for a tour of Robben Island with Ahmed 'Kathy' Kathrada, cellmate of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Entering Robben Island.

Another view of Robben Island.

Guard tower at Robben Island.

Ahmed Kathrada giving our delegation a tour of his former cell, in which he spent over a decade around the corner from Nelson Mandela.

Capping off the trip was an event at the University of Cape Town commemorating the 50th anniversary of RFK's 'Ripples of Hope' address. Thank you to U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, for setting up this amazing event.

Truly inspiring to hear Congressman John Lewis reflect on what RFK's words meant to him.

Speaking from the same stage at which her father spoke 50 years ago, Kerry Kennedy, RFK's daughter and president of RFK Human Rights, reminded us that today's ripples of hope can come from anyone, anywhere.

Stopping for one final picture with the Members of Congress in our delegation in front of the University of Cape Town's Jameson Hall. Could not have traveled with a better group!

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits a South African egg and poultry farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits a South African egg and poultry farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits a South African egg and poultry farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits a South African egg and poultry farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits a South African egg and poultry farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits New Day Poultry Farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits New Day Poultry Farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits New Day Poultry Farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits New Day Poultry Farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits New Day Poultry Farm

2016-06-01 Senator Coons visits New Day Poultry Farm

Print

Email

Share

Share

Previous Gallery

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Bluesky App Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube