Admin’s (very short) visit to Cape Town, January 2026
Report from Philip Kendall
First view of Cape Town from the MFV Edinburgh on the 14th January 2026.
The late departure of the Edinburgh from Tristan meant that the Admin's proposed three day programme of meetings in Cape Town was scrapped and that it was highly likely that Louise and I would miss our Wednesday evening flight to London.
However, miracles do happen! Captain Clarence steered a speedy course to the Cape and this, coupled with excellent weather gave us a rare six day crossing, arriving on the 14th January 2026.
The result was that we had nine hours in Cape Town during which I managed to salvage some of the planned meetings.
Firstly, as soon as the ship arrived, the Edinburgh's berth became my "office" and I met with Ovenstone representatives and our excellent BioSecurity officers Larry and Nathan. I also met the acting Tristan House Manager Brigette for the first time.
Julian Swain whisked us off to the Waterfront for a quick refreshment stop before heading to my next meeting at the British Consulate General. There I caught up with Consul-General Colin Leeman, Deputy C-G Matt Hallsworth and their team and thanked them for their support. A critical lifeline for Tristan.
Next was a meeting with the Italian Consul who is coincidentally the Italian Consul for St Helena and Tristan, Giulio Mignacca. We discussed links between Italy and Tristan through the Lavarello and Repetto families. At the end of the meeting the Consul presented me with the flag of Camogli and a plaque. In return I presented the Consul with a Tristan tie, which I hope he will wear during his upcoming visit to St Helena.
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| Philip Kendall receives a Camogli flag and plaque from the Italian Consul, Giulio Mignacca, in Cape Town | |
Next stop, Tristan House. Always wonderful to catch up with friends from the island, most of whom are in Cape Town for medical treatment. I'm pleased to say that all were well and enjoying the Cape Town summer weather. I also had a very useful meeting with Janine Lavarello, our MPZ Officer, to talk about the Atlantic Guardians legacy.
Julian Swain then whisked us of to the airport in good time for our flight to London. A short but productive visit to Cape Town.