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.
The Rotary Peace Garden, officially opened on 27 April 2025, is the legacy of the first Rotary Peace Conference held in South Africa, right here in Cape Town. The garden was created with generous support from Rotary clubs across the Western Cape and various corporate partners. It 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.”
At its heart stands the Peace Pole, engraved with the timeless message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, and Khoi — representing our region’s cultural diversity and shared hopes.
While Rotary’s work spans many areas — from education and clean water to health and economic development — one of our most urgent priorities is peacebuilding.
In a time of deep global division, rising conflict, and social unrest, spaces like this Peace Garden are more essential than ever. They remind us of our shared humanity and the universal desire for peace.