Reflections on a diplomatic tête-à-tête

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting our former ambassador to Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Vatican, Her Excellency Konji Sebati, who was due to fly out later in the afternoon to assume her position as our new French ambassador. Her Excellency is a medical doctor who grew up in Soweto and worked for the Pfizer pharmaceutical company both here and in New York before joining foreign affairs in 2005.

The ambassador is at once warm, intelligent and guaranteed to win friends and influence people with her easy-going manner and I’m not just saying that because she is an Orlando Pirates supporter. If she is indicative of our ambassadors then somebody at last is getting things right at foreign affairs.

Traps: Tell me about Switzerland.

Ambassador Sebati: It’s a great country. I was there from 2005 to 2008. It is South Africa’s seventh largest trading partner, bigger than France and one in which I believe we enjoy a trade surplus.

T: Where were you based?

AS: In the capital Berne, which is about the size of Parys. It’s very quiet and everything works like clockwork. The transport is excellent and always right on time. I don’t think I ever got to use our diplomatic car. I miss Berne.

T: How do they see South Africa?

AS: They have the highest regard for our country. As you know, they never colonised anyone but they do take their role as a provider of humanitarian aid very seriously. In this area they see South Africa as a very useful partner. For example where they have sought to assist the DRC, Sudan and Burundi they have always tried to do it with South Africa being part of a tripartite arrangement. They really do value our input in this regard. They have also tried to assist Africa with training on governance, policing and even politicians.

T: Did you meet the Pope?

AS: I did a number of times. He is very academic and at the same time warm. Every January he calls together the accredited ambassadors and on one occasion I was able to arrange a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI for our former deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

T: Any other famous personality?

AS: Well, as you know, Roger Federer’s mom is South African and they used to invite me to the Swiss Open. I became a big fan of his. He is very shy and modest and even stays with his parents when he is in Switzerland. Shame, he was so upset when he lost the Australian Open Final.

T: What about France?

AS: I will be South Africa’s ambassador to France and the Principality of Monaco.

T: How is South Africa perceived there?

AS: We have a long-standing and cordial relationship with France. There is co-operation in many areas such as economics and culture with a number of French companies in South Africa and quite a few South African companies in partnership with the French over there. My most important mandate is to promote trade while encouraging investment in South Africa. The French see us as a fully-fledged working democracy and hold us in high regard. This as opposed to the problems being experienced in the former French colonies.

T: Have you ever met President Sarkozy?

AS: Not as yet. I am due to present my credentials to him in March. I can tell you that he enjoys very cordial relations with former president Thabo Mbeki and South Africa was one of the first country’s he visited after his inauguration. He actually came down with a business delegation looking to support initiatives and viewing us as a credible partner. In terms of Mbeki he was particularly grateful for the assistance he gave the French in brokering deals in the Ivory Coast and Burundi. Mbeki’s opinion was sought extensively on these issues. Moreover, though Tony Blair initiated African countries like South Africa being given observer status at the G8, France too endorsed our presence. I think it was Ghana and us. South Africa is seen as a model African country.

T: What is the French view on Zimbabwe?

AS: They are not as vociferous as say Great Britain and Australia but they do voice their concerns. They are more supportive rather than critical or negative. They want to know how they can be of help rather than prescribing what must take place.

T: What would you like to say before you leave for France?

AS: South Africa is a wonderful place which we must guard with our lives. It is regarded as a democracy with enormous potential and though there is a skills shortage the will of the people is there. It really is a beautiful place. I am honoured to serve my country — I enjoyed three fine years in Switzerland and am now looking forward to the challenges in France.

T: Ambassador Sebati thank you for your time and please be careful of Sibusiso, he’s a Chiefs supporter.

AS: Thank you.