On Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 August, the Africa Regional Meeting held in Cape Town welcomed everyone from the Priories and Associations. Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe all sent representatives. The meeting marked with significance as it saw a number of firsts.

 

It was the first official engagement of the New Lord Prior, Dr Neil Conn AO who wanted Africa to be the first of the Regions he visited. He was delighted to hear the excellent work being carried out by St John people across the region. Also, it was the first regional meeting attended by Kenya as a Priory. Both Kenya and South Africa provided support throughout the meeting, which the Priory of South Africa had arranged and co-ordinated.

 

In welcoming the delegates the Chancellor, The Very Reverent Canon Gerald Sharp said he saw much potential in St John in Africa and conveyed the apologies and blessings from the Prior, The Most Reverent Desmond Tutu.

 

In addition, it was the first regional meeting attended by the St John International team, Secretary General, Sir Paul Lambert and International Programme Manager, Mr Kevin Orr.

 

The Sub Prior Mr Stuart Shilson thanked the Priory of South Africa for all the work they had conducted in ensuring the conference was such a success.

 

See below for video of St John South Africa nurses from the Mother and Baby Programme (IMCI) performing.