The Philippine Ambassador met with Profs. Alf Gunvald Nilsen and Karen Leigh Harris of the University of Pretoria on 23 March 2023, to explore opportunities for cooperation in the social sciences.
During the meeting, both academics expressed their interest to undertake further research on the first Filipinos in South Africa who arrived in Kalk Bay. It may be recalled that, following the initial research made by the Kalk Bay Historical Association (KBHA), the City of Cape Town passed a resolution in 2017 formally inaugurating the “Manila Steps” - a 139-step concrete structure built to honor the Filipino pioneers.
The Embassy looks forward to this collaboration with the University of Pretoria which would contribute to a deeper understanding of the Philippine diaspora in South Africa.
