His Royal Majesty King Letsitsa III Moloi of the Bakholokoe Kingdom of Southern Africa has appointed Meredith Clayton Beal to the office of Sr. Paramount Chief & Global Envoy. Beal’s coronation is April 29. The Kingdom’s estimated population is 1.5 million.

Beal, who has contributed to Port of Harlem magazine, was an instrumental figure in ushering in the transition to digital TV broadcasting in Africa. Working with the African Telecommunications Union, he wrote a digital migration guide, published by the African Media Initiative and the International Center for Journalists, which was used by Information and Communications Technology regulators in every African country. He also conducted workshops across the continent, organizing international videoconferences and bringing global expertise and best practices to facilitate the transition.

As an Advisor to United Religions Initiative–Africa, which promotes non-violence and interfaith
harmony, the Los Angeles native represented African religions, traditional spiritual communities and interfaith groups at the United Nations Environment Assembly, where he urged religious communities to promote wise climate action. At the African Union Assembly, Beal worked with African Risk Capacity to educate African nations about the various risk management mechanisms available to help mitigate
loss from natural disasters.

“I truly am honored that His Royal Majesty King Letsitsa III trusts me to assist him in guiding the Bakhokoloe Kingdom into the future,” Beal says. “The Kingdom has tremendous potential, with a population of 1.5 million, most of whom are youth. The children born in Bakholokoe from now on have a brighter future,” he promises.