US Ambassador visits Soweto

Patrick Gaspard, the United States Ambassador to South Africa, toured Soweto with his young family last Tuesday.

Gaspard, his wife Rania Washington, their daughter Cybele (13) and their son Indingo (16) got a chance to experience Soweto.

The tour begin at the Nelson Mandela Family home in Vilakazi street then headed to the Hector Pieterson Museum in Orlando West and ended at the Orlando Towers where Gaspard and his family experienced a bird’s eye view of Soweto from the top of the towers.

“I felt that it was important to expose my family to Soweto, it was because of the Soweto uprising that Americans were exposed to the intensity of apartheid in this country,” he said.

He said that his family is excited about South Africa being their new home.

“I want my children to learn about South Africa and it’s rich history,” said Gaspard.

Gaspard was an anti-apartheid activist in his youth. He said that it is his great fortune to represent the United States’ efforts to partner with the South African government as it strives to improve the economic conditions of its citizens and as it helps to lead efforts throughout the continent to increase security and prosperity for all.

Prior to becoming Ambassador to South Africa, Gaspard was best known for his time at the White House and as the day-to-day leader of the Democratic Party headquarters.

He served as the executive director of the Democratic National Committee from 2011 to 2013, overseeing the party committee’s efforts to re-elect President Obama.

Previously, he was the director of the White House Office of Political Affairs for the Obama administration from January 2009 to 2011.

Gaspard and his family will also visit Limpopo, Cape Town and Durban in effort to get to know their new home better.