My Trip To South Africa
To be a Mason is to be a traveller.
We, at Square & Compass Promotions, consider ourselves “professional travellers.”
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Travel (and visitation) is an incredibly important part of the Masonic experience. It is also a very important part of life.
As Anthony Bourdain stated:
- “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food [or sit in their lodge], it’s a plus for everybody.”
In May 2026, Square & Compass Promotions travelled to Cape Town, South Africa during the “XX WORLD CONFERENCE OF REGULAR GRAND LODGES.”
The entire trip was incredible, starting with the flights to (and from) Cape Town, South Africa. These flights included layovers in Montreal, Doha, and New York. These flights also included a personal record: the longest flight I ever took (so far) was a Doha to New York connecting flight at 13 hours.
I’ve discussed both here and on YouTube the characteristics of masonic travel, as well as the responsibility Freemasons have to travel in a manner that is respectful of the countries and places to which (or through which) they travel.
My travel to Cape Town was unique due to both the current Iran conflict and the central Africa Ebola outbreak, which necessitated additional steps to ensure safe and responsible travel.
I registered in advance with the “Registration of Canadians Abroad Service” offered by the Government of Canada. This registration ensured that the Government of Canada could contact me with instructions in case of any emergency in the areas to which and through which I travelled.
I also avoided travel to, and through, any areas in Africa dealing with the current Ebola outbreak.
- When returning to Canada (and when transiting through America), customs officials asked specifically about any travel to and through those areas of Africa affected by the outbreak.
The amount of travel and the length of the flights also reminded me of how important it is to take care of oneself during travel.
This is especially important for Freemasons, as taking care of oneself during travel means being fully prepared to take advantage of any masonic opportunities upon arrival.
Some tips for taking care of oneself:
- Stay hydrated (flying long-periods of time will dehydrate you);
- Try to stretch regularly, even while sitting;
- Bring healthy snacks when possible;
- Wear comfortable clothing; and
- Always speak with a medical professional if you have any medical concerns related to travel.
- Be aware of all travel and entry requirements, keep travel documents safe, ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, be aware of local currency conversions, mobile data requirements, etc.
Upon arrival in Cape Town, South Africa (after passing through customs and immediately grabbing a very necessary coffee) I immediately attended the Cape Town International Conference Centre and met with several Brethren from around the world visiting for the “XX WORLD CONFERENCE OF REGULAR GRAND LODGES.”
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I was amazed at the number of Brethren in attendance. The logistical challenges of gathering so many Brethren (many of whom were Most Worshipful Grand Masters and distinguished guests) are great.
A lesson that we as Freemasons can take from the ability of the World Conference’s to overcome these logistical challenges is: Freemasonry can still do big and challenging things…if we are willing to work hard!
Another lesson that we can take from the World Conference…we are all in this together.
The problems facing Freemasonry in my jurisdiction are not unique. The solutions to these problems are also not unique. It is up to Freemasons to use opportunities like the World Conference to discuss not simply the problems Freemasonry is facing, but the possible solutions to these problems.
While I was in Cape Town, I had the opportunity to visit three masonic buildings (and tour one):
- The Pinelands Masonic Centre in Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa
- A “Comasonic” Temple in Cape Town, South Africa; and
- De Goede Hoop Masonic Temple in Cape Town, South Africa.
I was lucky enough to tour “De Goede Hoop Masonic Temple” and was amazed at the beauty of the Temple, as well as the incredible history represented therein. This history relates to both the history of Freemasonry, South Africa, and the history of Freemasonry in South Africa.
One lesson from the “De Goede Hoop Masonic Temple” is that: hope remains! Approx. 100 years ago, the Temple experienced a fire that destroyed much of the building and several statues within the building…except the statue representing hope!
With the current challenges facing Freemasonry, it can be hard to feel hope for the future. The story of the statue reminds us all that hope can survive, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
My travel to South Africa reminded my of how important port towns, and sea travel, are to the history of Freemasonry.
Particularly, how important port towns and sea travel were to the expansion of Freemasonry outside of England.
The port, the sea, and ships are omnipresent in South Africa, and it was through these means that Freemasonry first made its way to South Africa. As noted in a variety of sources: “Freemasonry in South Africa was introduced in 1772 by Dutch sailor and Deputy Grandmaster Abraham van der Weijden.”
My hotel, the Mojo Hotel, is located next to the Mojo Market. This market is an incredible place, full of delicious food vendors (including Biltong vendors…if you know you know), community events, artwork, and more.
When I wasn’t taking in the masonic sights, I was grabbing a coffee and snack, or watching a free movie, or performing stand-up comedy, at the market.
What was really cool about my time in the market was how many opportunities I had to speak with people about Freemasonry, and why I was in Cape Town.
The people were incredibly friendly, and this certainly helped make me feel comfortable speaking with them about Freemasonry.
More than this, being able to discuss Freemasonry in a setting separate from the World Conference and from masonic buildings reminded me that there are no exclusively masonic or non-masonic spaces. Anywhere I go, anywhere I travel, becomes a masonic space because I am a Freemason.
That does not mean I (or any mason) should be “pushy” or continue talking about Freemasonry to people who are not interested.
It does mean Freemasons should be comfortable talking about Freemasonry in a variety of settings outside of typical masonic places.
It also means I was very happy to talk about Freemasonry, and Square & Compass Promotions, to a variety of South Africans at the Mojo Market (and in Ubers, and on Public Transit…)
I loved very much being in Cape Town, South Africa and I am grateful to everyone who made it possible.
Hopefully…I can return soon!
All opinions expressed are those of Square & Compass Promotions and the guest(s), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Windsor Masonic Temple and/or any other Masonic group!
