March 29, 2024

Hoyer Travels to South Africa

hoyer in south africa

Commemorates RFK’s ‘Ripple of Hope’ Speech

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) traveled to South Africa as part of a congressional delegation marking the 50th anniversary of then Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s “Ripple of Hope” speech, which was delivered at the University of Cape Town on June 6, 1966.

The congressman’s trip was from May 31 to June 5.

“I was honored to participate in this congressional delegation to South Africa, a nation looking ever forward toward the future as it continues working to heal the rifts of the past and create opportunities for all its people,” Whip Hoyer said. “To be at the University of Cape Town to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s historic ‘ripple of hope’ speech was extraordinary.  Throughout the visit, I had the opportunity to meet with South African leaders to discuss how our nations can work more closely in ways that benefit both the United States and South Africa – as well as to increase opportunity and security throughout Africa.”

Congressman Hoyer and the congressional delegation toured Liliesleaf, which was the center of the liberation movement, and met with senior anti-apartheid struggle veterans. They visited the Box Shop in Soweto with the mayor of Johannesburg, where they discussed innovative partnerships with local entrepreneurs. They also met with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and truth and reconciliation commission members. The delegation toured Robben Island before attending the Ripple of Hope commemorative event held at the University of Cape Town. The delegation also met with the US ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, to discuss relations between the US and South Africa, along with key business and social leaders.

Follow Congressman Hoyer on Facebook and Twitter.

A transcript of RFK’s speech can be found here.

For more information about House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer, visit his Leader member page.

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