Photo: US Embassy SA / Twitter
Photo: US Embassy SA / Twitter
Lana Marks has officially touched down in South Africa, and she’s started her first week in office with an engaging press conference at the US diplomatic office in Pretoria. She lifted the lid on how the White House views our country, and it seems Donald Trump might have a soft spot for Mzansi… and its leader.
"The US already has many programs in place to promote leadership, entrepreneurship, & career development for young people. That includes @YALINetwork & @WashFellowship as well as our partnership with the Harambee employment accelerator. These are all great starts." – @LanaMarks pic.twitter.com/YTQD2hMQrF
— US Embassy SA (@USEmbassySA) November 13, 2019
Who is South Africa’s US Ambassador, Lana Marks?
Marks, orginally from East London, is the founder and CEO of an eponymous fashion brand that counts royalty and Hollywood celebrities among clients. Her accessories have become a favourite among royalty and celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, Chloe Sevigny, Oprah Winfrey, and Princess Diana among others.
She has previously attended the University of the Witwatersrand and the Institute of Personnel Management in Johannesburg. In 2001 she was one of 50 American CEO’s – the sole fashion representative – invited to meet President Bush for the Women Business Leaders’ Forum.
Now, life has come full circle, and she will be permanently based in Pretoria while she serves as the US Ambassador. Here’s what she had to say during Wednesday’s media briefing:
Lana Marks on Trump, Cape Town and Cyril Ramaphosa
She wants to improve trade between the US and SA
“There are deep, long-standing ties of affection that bind the people of the United States and South Africa together. A greater connection between and African private sectors will expand markets for US goods and services and contribute to more prosperous and stable African countries,”
Lana Marks wants to take SA to the top of the trade chain
“The U.S. is already SA’s third largest trading partner, with two-way trade in 2018 valued at $13.7 billion, or over R203 billion. And, as you’ll soon learn about me, I’m not one to settle for third place.”
These are her two biggest priorities as Ambassador
“All of this work would be fruitless if we did not address the on-the-ground issues affecting South Africans. These issues are as diverse as they are pressing, which leads me to a two-fold priority: Epidemic control of HIV/AIDS, and to tackle youth employment & empowerment.”
Turns out, Trump is pretty sweet on Cyril
“President Trump totally believes in Ramaphosa and the entire congress believes in Ramaphosa. We believe it is the exciting time to increase trade and investment and I see it accelerating at a very fast pace. I am excited to be personally here to be the conduit between Pretoria and Washington.”
Lana Marks talks positively on land reform
“Even though I am an American now – I still feel a great kinship with South Africans Nothing has happened at this time like land seizures or anything of that kind that we are aware of. We are very pleased that discussions around land are being held in a transparent manner.”
Trump might be visiting South Africa soon…
“I would love nothing more than President Trump to visit South Africa. I know that President Trump was personally very anxious for me to arrive here and when I became his candidate [for the ambassadorship] in November 2016 he personally told me how beautiful Cape Town was.”
