Acting US Ambassador accepts scroll for Freedom of the City on behalf of the Obamas

Earlier today, 7 June 2013, I formally handed over the scroll for the Freedom of the City that was 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 4 November, 2008 and received the Nobel Peace Prize on 9 October 2009, for creating a new climate of cooperation in international politics.

First Lady, Michelle 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. 

Statement issued by Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town, June 7 2013

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