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President Susan H. Porter, Primary General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited four countries in Southeastern Africa during a nine-day trip in August and September 2025. During her visit, she ministered to church members of all ages, met with government officials, interfaith and humanitarian leaders, and participated in service projects organized by Primary children.
While in Mauritius on August 30, President Porter met Beau-bassin and Rose Hill Mayor Gabriella Batour. Porter highlighted the mayor's focus on strengthening families as central to building strong communities. “She told us she felt like the way to strengthen her community was to strengthen families,” President Porter said. “In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we make every effort to strengthen families. I loved when she said, ‘We’re going to try to create a protective shell around the families in our community so that they can stay together, help children thrive, and make our community strong.’”
In Reunion on September 2, President Porter met with representatives from Muslim, Bahá'í, Jewish and Christian groups. She noted the spirit of mutual respect among different faiths: “They were there to respect, to support, and to understand one another. It was remarkable,” President Porter said. “And I think that those types of activities are happening all over the world, where people of various faiths are saying, ‘We may have different beliefs, but we have a unified belief that we are all children of God. We want to make this world and this experience a place of peace and hope and safety.’”
On September 5 in Lesotho, President Porter participated in a humanitarian project at St. Louis Primary School where 300 pairs of shoes were given to students. The Church had previously supported the school by providing a library, kitchen and restrooms. After touring the campus, she witnessed a choir led by a young boy: “As we were walking back, we saw this beautiful choir of children singing in parts,” she said. “And I looked to who was leading them, and it was a young boy. And he was bringing in the different parts and giving them dynamics. And I remarked to our hostess, who was the leader of this coalition of schools, ‘This is remarkable.’ And she said, ‘This is what we do to help create leaders.’”
She reflected on how these efforts align with the Primary General Presidency’s focus on helping children develop leadership skills.
Later that day in Lesotho at Queen ‘Mahohato Memorial Hospital,’ President Porter observed a demonstration with UNICEF about neonatal and maternity services supported through collaboration between UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aimed at reducing mother and infant mortality rates.
“I love that the Church always collaborates with others,” she said. “The Church has certain strengths, and we collaborate with others who have other strengths. What a blessing to collaborate with UNICEF to help provide training and support to reduce mother and infant mortality. There’s no more noble effort than helping those mothers who are bringing children into the world.”
President Porter also reached out following an accident earlier this year in Lesotho which claimed ten lives connected with the Church—six young women and four leaders.
“As human beings, we experience joy and we experience sorrow,” she said. “That was a time to experience both of those — sorrow at the loss of beloved daughters, and joy as we saw people turn to one another to lift and share the love of Christ with their family members and friends. Jesus Christ is the only one who can heal all sorrow and all pain.”
Her ministry included involvement in Primary children's service projects across Mauritius, Lesotho and South Africa as part of an initiative introduced by the Primary organization earlier this year for global community service by children.
During her travels she held meetings with women’s groups within The Church as well as youth organizations; she was accompanied throughout much of her journey by her son Chris Porter as well as Sister J. Anette Dennis (First Counselor in Relief Society General Presidency) for portions along with Dennis’ husband Jorge.
Reflecting on her experiences across Africa President Porter stated: “What a beautiful people. You can feel God’s love for this whole continent of Africa because the people here are humble and they’re open to feel of God’s love,” she said. “They want to seek Him. And He can speak to them because they are open and want to hear His voice, want to feel His strength. And then once they feel it, they want to share it with everyone. What a beautiful, beautiful example for me.”
