Dr Kingsley Makhubela, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), has recently raised concerns about the conduct of South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu.
In a statement released by DIRCO, Dr Makhubela expressed his disappointment and disapproval of Ambassador Mahlangu’s actions, which he believes have tarnished the country’s reputation on the international stage.
According to Dr Makhubela, Ambassador Mahlangu’s conduct during a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump has raised serious questions about his professionalism and diplomatic etiquette. It is reported that during the meeting, Ambassador Mahlangu made inappropriate comments and behaved in a manner that was deemed unbecoming of a representative of South Africa.
This incident has sparked outrage and concern among South Africans, who expect their ambassadors to uphold the highest standards of conduct and represent the country with dignity and respect. Dr Makhubela has emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
As the Director-General of DIRCO, Dr Makhubela has the responsibility of overseeing the country’s foreign policy and ensuring that its ambassadors adhere to the principles of diplomacy. He has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and has urged Ambassador Mahlangu to publicly apologize for his actions.
This incident has also raised questions about the selection process for ambassadors and the level of training and preparation they receive before being deployed to represent the country. Dr Makhubela has emphasized the need for ambassadors to undergo proper training and orientation to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively represent South Africa.
Furthermore, Dr Makhubela has reminded all ambassadors that they are not only representing the government, but also the people of South Africa. Their actions and words have a direct impact on the country’s image and reputation, and they must always act in a manner that reflects the values and principles of the nation.
In light of this incident, DIRCO has also announced that it will be reviewing its code of conduct for ambassadors and implementing stricter measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Despite this setback, Dr Makhubela has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining strong and positive relations with the United States. He has called on all ambassadors to work together to promote South Africa’s interests and enhance its standing in the international community.
In conclusion, Dr Kingsley Makhubela’s questioning of Ambassador Mahlangu’s conduct serves as a reminder to all ambassadors that they have a responsibility to represent their country with integrity and professionalism. It is imperative that they uphold the highest standards of diplomacy and act as true ambassadors of South Africa. Let us hope that this incident will serve as a lesson and that all ambassadors will strive to uphold the values and principles of our nation.
