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First Jewish South African-born US ambassador-designate has arrived
Lana Marks, the first Jewish South African-born United States ambassador-designate to South Africa, got down to business on Wednesday, her first day in the office by hosting a media briefing in which she outlined her priorities as she begins her tenure.
NICOLA MILTZ
“As you know, South Africa is the land of my birth. When I left in the 1970s, the majority of South Africans were suffering under the brutal apartheid regime. Twenty-five years ago, in 1994, just as I became an American citizen, South Africa was embarking upon its dramatic journey towards democracy,” said Marks.
“To this day, I am still filled with pride at how far South Africa has come. And although I am now an American, I feel a great kinship with the people of South Africa, with whom I will always have a special bond.”
Speaking to a packed auditorium, a slightly nervous Marks said she plans to strengthen the enduring relationship between South Africa and the US. “Our relationship is broad and the ties between our people go far beyond government channels.
“Engaging and expanding trade, business and investment between our two countries – for the benefit of both – is one of my priorities, a cornerstone upon which everything else can be built.”
She said South Africa is the democratic and economic leader of the world’s fastest-growing continent and that the US “greatly values” the partnership between the two nations.
The US is South Africa’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,” said Marks.
The US, she said, is the largest source of foreign direct investment, with more than 600 American companies active in South Africa accounting for an estimated 10% of GDP and over 200 000 jobs.
She said the Ford Motor Company stood alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa to break ground in Gauteng for the new Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone. “This alone will generate new employment for 6 700 South Africans working in the auto supply chain, with up to 70 000 indirect follow-on jobs possible in the future. My message for South Africa is that I am here to work with you to maximise this exciting opportunity at such a unique time,” she said.
In a guest column for News24 this week, Marks wrote: “Throughout my journey from East London to America’s East Coast, I have always retained my love for South Africa.
“The tremendous victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup – and especially the powerful message of unity and determination spoken by the team’s remarkable captain, Siya Kolisi, was an inspiration not just to South Africans, but to Americans as well. As such, I would like to borrow a theme from that historic weekend: the United States and South Africa, indeed, are stronger together.”
Marks said President Donald Trump and Congress believe in Ramaphosa and she is “thrilled to be the conduit” to facilitate the strengthening of relationships between the two countries. She said it is an “exciting and pivotal time” to greatly increase trade and investment, and she can see it being “accelerated at a fast pace”.
The Prosper Africa initiative shows a commitment to expanding the number of commercial deals between the two countries, Marks said, and she will lead the Mission South Africa “deal team” to play matchmaker for US firms interested in coming to South Africa, and South African companies looking for access to the US market.
Marks said she will prioritise control of HIV/Aids, youth employment and empowerment. She said that since 2004, the US has invested R80 billion in South Africa to support HIV prevention, testing and treatment. “We will be spending more than $750 million [about R11 billion] this year alone,” she said. “I will wholeheartedly continue to advocate for and work towards this crucial goal of epidemic control, doing so alongside the South African government and our heroic President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, Pepfar.”
She said the US has many programmes in place to promote leadership, entrepreneurship and career development for young people, including the Youth African Leaders Initiative and the Mandela Washington Fellowship. “However, we can do more,” she said.
Marks said she is particularly “and personally” interested in helping South African women realise their full professional and economic potential. The US is piloting the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs in SA, and through a TechWoman programme will bring together women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for mentorships and exchange programmes.
She said she will support South Africa in its fight against crime, specifically violent crime, “whether it be in a township or on a farm”, and wildlife trafficking.
In the first few weeks on the job, Marks said, she intends “to listen and learn” in order to reaffirm her country’s commitment to South Africa. “This is an exciting time and a unique opportunity on the road ahead, and I am thankful to be working with President Ramaphosa and his government.”
During the question and answer session, Marks told the media: “I arrived two days ago and I would like for nothing more than for President Trump to visit South Africa. He was anxious for me to arrive here; he personally told me how beautiful Cape Town was.”