Prince Harry, known for his unwavering dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian causes, has announced a significant development for his charity, Sentebale, just ahead of the festive season.
The Duke of Sussex, along with his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, shared news of a leadership transition that marks an important milestone in the charity’s evolution.
Founded in 2006 by Harry and Seeiso, Sentebale has been a beacon of hope for children and young people in Southern Africa affected by HIV/AIDS.
Over the years, the organisation has provided crucial support, resources, and advocacy to empower vulnerable communities.
However, the recent announcement of CEO Richard Miller’s departure signals a moment of change and renewal for the charity as it approaches its 20th anniversary.
Richard Miller, who has served as Sentebale’s CEO for five years, will officially step down from his role in January 2025.
Miller, based in London, brought extensive experience in international development to the organisation. Under his leadership, Sentebale expanded its reach and deepened its impact in Southern Africa.
In a joint statement published on the charity’s website, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed their gratitude for Miller’s service, highlighting his contributions to Sentebale’s mission.
“Sentebale has greatly benefited from Richard’s extensive expertise in international development,” the statement read.
“We are deeply grateful for his compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering children, young people, and their communities across Southern Africa.”
The royals noted that Miller’s departure aligns with a broader strategic shift within the organisation.
“Leading into our 20th anniversary, our organisation will be locally led, aligning with the global movement towards fostering greater local agency and ownership,” they stated.
“This shift reflects our continued commitment to being guided by voices from within the region we serve.”
As part of this transition, Carmel Gaillard, a Johannesburg-based development leader, will take over as the charity’s new CEO.
Gaillard’s appointment underscores Sentebale’s commitment to local leadership and community-based solutions.
Miller himself expressed confidence in the leadership change, describing it as an “exciting way forward” for the organisation.
He emphasized that the transition would reinforce Sentebale’s relevance as a “leading development actor” in the region.
In his statement, Miller said, “The leadership change will clearly demonstrate Sentebale’s relevance as a leading development actor. I welcome this change and believe it is an exciting way forward.”
Sentebale’s name, which means “Forget Me Not” in Sesotho, reflects its mission to honor and uplift vulnerable children and communities.
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Over the years, the charity has provided education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
The strategic shift towards local leadership is a significant step forward for the organisation.
It aligns with a global movement to prioritize community-driven development, ensuring that the voices and needs of those directly impacted are at the forefront of decision-making.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso emphasized this vision in their joint statement, reiterating their dedication to empowering local communities.
“This transition ensures that Sentebale continues to be a powerful advocate and partner for change in Southern Africa,” they said.
For Prince Harry, Sentebale holds deep personal significance. Inspired by his late mother, Princess Diana, who was a passionate advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, Harry has poured his heart into the charity.
Sentebale has also been a cornerstone of his public work, reflecting his broader commitment to creating a positive impact on vulnerable communities.
This leadership transition, though bittersweet, marks another chapter in Sentebale’s legacy. As the organisation approaches its 20th anniversary, the renewed focus on local leadership signals a bold and inclusive future.
The joint statement from Harry and Seeiso expressed heartfelt gratitude to Richard Miller for his pivotal role in Sentebale’s evolution.
At the same time, it looked forward with optimism, celebrating the opportunities that lie ahead under Gaillard’s leadership.
As Sentebale continues its work to support children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS, the organisation’s dedication to fostering local agency and community-led solutions serves as a testament to its enduring impact.
This significant development comes as Prince Harry prepares for the holiday season, reminding the world of his steadfast commitment to philanthropy and his ability to adapt and grow his charitable initiatives to meet the needs of the communities he serves.
