NEW TERM, NEW DIPLOMACY

Meet South Africa’s New Minister of Foreign Affairs — Our Lovely https://app.warera.io/user/697f856b15e8474880f62480

By https://app.warera.io/user/693afe3d19f6f7570796ae0a | WarEraZa

A new term, a new MoFA, and hopefully only a little diplomatic chaos.

A new term means a new Minister of Foreign Affairs, and this time around, we’re sitting down with our lovely Effingere — MoFA to find out what makes her tick.

From her plans for South Africa’s foreign relations to the challenges of taking on the role for the first time — and, of course, her decision to bring interns into the MoFA office — we wanted to find out exactly what she has planned for the term ahead.

So, before the diplomatic negotiations begin, the alliances are formed and the interns inevitably question what they signed up for, let’s get to know the person behind the position.

Here’s what our new MoFA had to say…

MEET THE NEW MoFA

1. This is your first time serving as MoFA — what made you want to take on the role, and what are you most excited about?

Thank you for having me. After being offered both MoFA and VP by various candidates, I thought I was convinced that I would remain neutral as a journalist and try to make South Africa better from the inside. However, things seldom go as we plan them.

I value strength, decisiveness and action. I believe that when the President asked me to be his MoFA, he saw those same qualities in me that I see in him.

I am most excited to continue building our diplomatic relations and creating new bonds — or burning the ones that need burning. All with my own brand of diplomacy, of course.

2. Going into your first term, what are the biggest goals you want to accomplish as MoFA?

I have an inner need to be curious. If I can see a possible path forward, I will pursue it. But not at the cost of South Africa.

My biggest goal is to leave the position of MoFA in a better place than when I took over. After all, if I can't show that I've contributed, then what is the point of me being here?

The same goes for all Congress members.

3. What do you think will be your biggest challenge as you step into the role for the first time?

I believe that the word “challenge” has a different charge depending on who is using it. Some view a challenge as something to “get over” or a roadblock. I view challenges as a natural part of anything we do.

If everything is flowing smoothly, I actually get stressed out. But, to indulge your question, I would say the biggest challenge is the new alliances. They have created new expectations for diplomacy and opened new avenues for discussion.

Overall, it has been a very fun, but sometimes rather straining, ordeal.

4. Foreign affairs can have a huge impact on WarEra. What kind of diplomatic approach do you want to bring to the position?

I find myself being very methodical and formal. When reading through some of my diplomatic correspondence, I am intrigued by how cold I find myself. Although, I would rather be overly cordial and formal than a barbarian with a pen.

But situations have arisen that have frankly sent me over the edge. I can take a lot, whether it be how people choose to formulate their messages or how certain people don't seem engaged enough for my liking.

I will, however, not stand for disrespect — to me, another RSA citizen or South Africa as a whole. It has happened, and I am not afraid to tell people exactly how I feel about it.

5. Are there any particular countries or international relationships you’re hoping to focus on strengthening during your term?

I am a woman of many languages. I am also a woman of the world. Cultures, people, ideas and traditions have always fascinated me.

Therefore, I am not aiming for a particular country to strengthen ties with. I would rather say that I am excited to meet everyone, no matter where they come from.

My doors are open, as long as we can remain cordial.

6. What do you think makes someone a successful MoFA, and how do you plan to measure your own success?

As previously stated, if I leave the position in a better place than when I took it, I’ll consider it a success.

A successful MoFA, in my opinion, is available. For anyone thinking of taking the position in the future, please remember that your inbox will be blowing up, both in-game and in Discord.

If you are like me and find that exciting, then you’ll feel right at home.

7. You’ll have the option of bringing two interns into the MoFA office. What are you looking for in someone who joins your team?

I have two positions open for interns, and I am very selective. I do not enjoy working with people who want a position “just because”.

Before I understood the intricacies of the game, I wanted a Congress position “just because”. But I quickly understood that you become a burden and a liability if you're just around “because”.

What my interns do, say or write will reflect on me. It will reflect on the Cabinet and South Africa as a whole.

As such, I would rather do the work alone than with someone I wasn't convinced could represent us.

The applicants are currently finishing their interviews and short essays. We will see if I have an intern or two in the coming days.

8. What responsibilities will your interns have, and will they each have their own specific areas to focus on?

I will start slowly with them. Embassy monitoring, for instance, is a good way of gaining knowledge. Even before I was MoFA, I read the embassies daily to keep up with the goings-on.

Something I implore every Congress member to do.

Other than that, I’ll slowly start adding more responsibilities. As I am working in four offices at once, my schedule is very busy.

If I find them trustworthy, I will expand on their duties as the days go by.

9. How involved do you plan to be in mentoring and developing your interns throughout the term?

Very.

I value communication. I have also found it hard and scary to ask questions in Congress chat or other channels. I have also been afraid I will look like a fool.

But the fool is only the person that sits in silence.

Therefore, I would like clear and open communication with them.

“The fool is only the person that sits in silence.”

10. And finally, if we check back in with you at the end of your term, what would you hope to be able to say you achieved as South Africa’s MoFA?

That I was able to live up to my own standards.

That all the late nights, missed meals, tears and typing was enough for me to acknowledge myself.