Statement by the Executive Mayor of Cape Town,
Alderman Patricia de Lille
Acting US Ambassador accepts scroll for Freedom of the
City on behalf of the Obamas
Earlier today, I formally handed over the scroll for the Freedom of the
City awarded to the President of the United States, Barack Obama and
First Lady Michelle Obama to the Chargé d‘Affaires of the U.S Embassy
and Acting Ambassador, Ms Virginia Palmer who received it on behalf of
the U.S first couple.
The Freedom of the City is the highest honour that the City of Cape Town
can confer on individuals who have made a significant contribution to
Cape Town, South Africa and the world in their respective fields.
President Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States on
the 4th of November, 2008 and received the Nobel Peace Prize on the 9th
of October, 2009, for creating a new climate of cooperation in
international politics.
First Lady Obama travelled to Cape Town last year as part of a broader
outreach to Africa and brought with her the uplifting example of achieving
the extraordinary.
They are both worthy recipients of this honour for the inspiration they
have been to the world, and in acknowledgement that their successes
have only been possible with the support of each other.
The decision to award the Freedom of the City to President Barack Obama
and First Lady Michelle Obama was adopted by a majority vote in council
last year.
It is my hope that their example will forever be a reminder that where
there is hope and perseverance, and where we are fuelled by the courage
of our convictions, even the unimaginable is doable.
As previously stated, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle
Obama have already accepted the Freedom of the City. The only
outstanding issue was the handover of the scroll which has now been
conducted.