Meghan Markle
Meghan MarkleGetty Images

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are taking a royal tour of Southern Africa later this month along with their son Archie. While it is expected that the Duchess of Sussex will be speaking about several causes, including women's rights, she has been warned not to preach the people.

Professor Amanda Gouws of Stellenbosch University encouraged Markle to speak up for women, but also added that she must not "lecture us about what we are doing wrong".

"This is a very appropriate moment because we had our women's parliament yesterday with women MPs and civil society looking at the issue of gender-based violence. South Africa has the highest incidence of rape in the world," Gouws said, according to Express UK. 

"It would be helpful for her to become involved but it has to be done with care and sensitivity," the professor warned. "One way to really upset South Africans is when the 'global north' comes to lecture us about what we are doing wrong and how much better it could be if we were more like them."

"She has to link the problem to the global condition and if she does this, it could be a very helpful way of raising the subject of very high levels of gender-based violence which the women of South Africa have to live with day by day," added Gouws.

Meanwhile, local activist Fatima Shabodien of the Faith Foundation welcomed Meghan's thoughts but warned: "She should first talk to local people and local groups about what they think... Of course her attention can help, there is a lot of interest in what she says and thinks."

"But she can't come here and just give her opinions off the cuff. People resent that sort of cultural colonialism. She should consult with people who live these experiences, in private if that's necessary... We welcome her if she approaches us respectfully, but we don't want to be told what to do by anyone," Shabodien added.

Markle and Prince Harry's royal tour will begin from Monday, September 23, and go on till Wednesday, October 2. The announcement on the duchess' official social media account also hinted that their child Archie would also be joining them.

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Today, we are excited to be able to announce details for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s upcoming tour to Africa! ???????? • In just two weeks, Their Royal Highnesses will embark on this official tour focusing on community, grassroots leadership, women’s and girls’ rights, mental health, HIV/AIDS and the environment. This programme has been many months in the making, and The Duke and Duchess are eager to focus their energies on the great work being done in Southern Africa. From meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu to joining ‘Waves for Change’ on Monwabisi Beach, the South Africa programme will be educational and inspiring. The Duke is especially proud to continue the legacy left by his mother with her work in Angola as he joins Halo Trust again in an effort to rid the world of landmines. HRH will also travel to Malawi where he will check in on the British Army’s partnership with African Parks and will be working on the ground supporting local communities. The Duke is particularly proud to be able to deliver an exciting new initiative, a Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy three-country partnership which he designed and consulted with Governments in Namibia, Botswana and Angola to protect forest and wildlife corridors around the Okavango Delta. The Duchess will be working with local organisations to promote women and girls’ health and education, entrepreneurship and leadership. With such a textured culture and history, Their Royal Highnesses are grateful for the opportunity to connect with those on the ground in Southern Africa and to be inspired by the work being done and learn how they can be better supported. As President and Vice President of The Queens Commonwealth Trust and The Duke’s role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, The Duke and Duchess cannot wait to meet with young leaders mobilising change and adding to the beauty of these Commonwealth countries ???????? • “We look forward to seeing you soon!” • Photo ©️ PA images / Tim Graham - Getty Images / @Sentebale /@AfricanParksNetwork / @YouthAlert

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"This will be their first official tour as a family!" the statement read. While the royal couple will be travelling to South Africa together, Prince Harry will fulfil appearances solo in Malawi and Angola.