Cape Town has welcomed a new peace garden thanks to an international event that welcomed dignitaries and all notions of planting peace.
Cape Town, South Africa (07 May 2025) — Cape Town recently played host to the Second Rotary Intercountry Committee (ICC) Africa Peace Forum, in which dignitaries, Rotarians, diplomats and changemakers alike from all over the world united. Planting peace together, the Seconf Rotary Intercountry Committee (ICC) Africa Peace Forum ran from 25 to 27 April as a landmark event for peacebuilding.
The three-day event opened under the leadership of Acting Premier Jaco Londt. Compelling conversations, powerful presentations and international friendship reigned supreme, as well as, most importantly, topics of grassroots diplomacy.
A new Peace Garden was unveiled in tandem with a Peace Pole at the Long March to Freedom Bronze Statue Park in Century City. According to some attendees, like Past Rotary Foundation Chair Helene Visser, it was “the cherry on the cake”.
The Rotary D9350 Peace Garden and Peace Pole mark a new tourist attraction and a reminder of peace ever-growing.
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 said to be a sanctuary for reflection. There are also two benches for visitors to sit, reflect and breathe.
“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,” said former President of Mozambique and Vice-Chair of the Peace Parks Foundation, His Excellency Joaqium Chissano.
“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.”
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