With the Earthshot Prize Awards evening officially drawing to a close, Prince William’s final day in South Africa has been met with uproar from angry protesters.
The prince has spent four days in the country for the highly anticipated Earthshot Prize Award ceremony. The initiative which was first launched in 2020 is the brainchild of William and is focused on finding innovative solutions to combating some of the planet’s biggest environmental.
On Thursday the Prince of Wales visited one of Cape Town’s local fishing harbours in Kalk Bay, an area he visited earlier this week to learn about how fishermen are using sustainable methods of fishing, where he paid one last visit before heading back home. Upon his arrival, the 42-year-old was met by a number of locals who all gracefully welcomed the royal on his final day of visitation. However, nearby was a group of angry protesters who demanded that he return to his home.
Delighted to explore Kalk Bay’s fishing heritage! Abalobi’s pioneering tech promotes sustainable fishing practices. Enjoying a quintessential South African fish braai, paired with tales of last night’s accolades. pic.twitter.com/F5c8iYoMsg
— HRH The prince of Wales (personal page) (@KensingtonWale) November 7, 2024
Among the crowd was someone who held a sign which read, “William, you have no sovereignty over our country.”
In an interview with Sky News, one of the protesters, Mymoena Poggenpoel said that the reason for their protest was not because of Prince William but rather because they felt excluded from the event.
Mymoena is the proud owner of her family’s fishing business and owns two boats located at the harbour.
Speaking to the news publication she said: “It wasn’t inclusive, that’s our concern. If you look at these boats, they’re all independently owned, from our forefathers, our fathers to their forefathers etc. There’s no financial gain that’s been given by the banks or politicians or industry.”
She adds: “These boats are all well maintained by individual fishermen. So because they wouldn’t include us it’s very concerning, you know that we couldn’t welcome the prince the way we wanted to in our traditional manner.”
Meanwhile, the co-owner of Alabobi, Serge Raemaeker, said that he understood their frustration and said that because of apartheid and post-apartheid, there is no fishing community in that location anymore. While some fishermen have their own boats there, they live far which is why they haven’t been able to reach them.
He however added: “We are starting to work with groups along the coastline. I’m imagining that this fisher felt ‘hey I’m being left out here’ and I understand that.”
Also see: Was Uncle Waffles’ dress code appropriate for meeting Prince William?
