Speaker
Sindiswa Ntombolimo MQUQU
- Affliation
- Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Korea
Biography
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master of Philosophy (International Business) from Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) of the University of Pretoria. Dissertation topic: Liability of foreignness and performance of South African Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) in Africa.
• Master of Arts (International Relations) and Master of Arts (Development Studies) through the University of Witwatersrand - Incomplete due to outstanding research reports (the completed course work is invaluable not to mention).
• Bachelor of Arts Honours (International Relations) from the University of Transkei.
• Bachelor of Arts (Education) from the University of Transkei.
QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED FOR NON-DEGREE PURPOSES:
• Graduate Certificate in Economics - University of Witwatersrand.
• Computer Literacy Certificate – University of Transkei.
• Women in Leadership – Singapore Management University.
• Leadership and Economic Diplomacy – Singapore Civil Service College.
CAREER HISTORY:
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Korea: 31 August 2024 – to date.
• Chief Director (Director-General): Central Asia, South Asia & Southeast Asia – Department of International Relations & Cooperation (2018 – 30 August 2024): responsible for the development and execution of the South Africa strategy of engagement with the twenty-four countries in the region. Also responsible for the management of the eleven South African Missions abroad and the thirteen foreign Mission in South Africa.
• Independent Consultant (2016 – 2018): providing advisory services on Trade and Investment related matters (focusing on Africa) and general International Relations (political and economic) as well as facilitating relations between government and business operators.
• General Manager (Director-General): Africa & Middle East, Brand South Africa (2013-2016): responsible for development and implementation of the strategy for the marketing of South Africa as a nation brand in the continent and in the Middle East; thus, managing the country’s reputation in order to create a positive brand image and its competitiveness clearly articulated.
• Director (Deputy Director General): West Africa, International Trade & Economic Development, Department of Trade & Industry (2012-2013). Responsible for managing South Africa’s bilateral economic relations with the West Africa sub-Region; thus, developing the country’s economic strategy of engaging the sub-Region including engagement with South African Corporates with operations in West Africa; Heads of Mission from the sub-Region based in SA; Heads of South African Missions in West Africa; Corporates from West Africa who have business interests in SA, among others.
• Director (Deputy Director General): International Relations & Cooperation, Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Province (2007 – 2011). Responsible for, among others, the development and implementation of the provincial International Relations’ Policy and Strategy as well as co-ordination of the Province’s International Relations programme.
• Manager (Deputy Director General): International Relations, City of Cape Town (2005 – 2007) responsible for, among others, ensuring maintenance of healthy relations between the City of Cape Town and other international cities or partners in order to enhance the City’s capacity to execute its constitutional mandate.
• Assistant Director (First Secretary): Foreign Service i.e. Desk Officer responsible for Ethiopia & Eritrea (2004-2005), Department of Foreign Affairs. Part of South Africa’s bilateral relations with Africa broadly with special focus on the two countries. Develop recommendations on the country’s policy positions in carrying out its mandate as an AU mediator in the conflict between the two countries.
• Educator at St. John’s College, Mthatha (1994-2004). Teaching History and English from grade 10 to grade 12.
POLITICAL HISTORY: Not applicable.
LANGUAGES: IsiXhosa (Home language) and English (excellent).
• Master of Philosophy (International Business) from Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) of the University of Pretoria. Dissertation topic: Liability of foreignness and performance of South African Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) in Africa.
• Master of Arts (International Relations) and Master of Arts (Development Studies) through the University of Witwatersrand - Incomplete due to outstanding research reports (the completed course work is invaluable not to mention).
• Bachelor of Arts Honours (International Relations) from the University of Transkei.
• Bachelor of Arts (Education) from the University of Transkei.
QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED FOR NON-DEGREE PURPOSES:
• Graduate Certificate in Economics - University of Witwatersrand.
• Computer Literacy Certificate – University of Transkei.
• Women in Leadership – Singapore Management University.
• Leadership and Economic Diplomacy – Singapore Civil Service College.
CAREER HISTORY:
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Republic of Korea: 31 August 2024 – to date.
• Chief Director (Director-General): Central Asia, South Asia & Southeast Asia – Department of International Relations & Cooperation (2018 – 30 August 2024): responsible for the development and execution of the South Africa strategy of engagement with the twenty-four countries in the region. Also responsible for the management of the eleven South African Missions abroad and the thirteen foreign Mission in South Africa.
• Independent Consultant (2016 – 2018): providing advisory services on Trade and Investment related matters (focusing on Africa) and general International Relations (political and economic) as well as facilitating relations between government and business operators.
• General Manager (Director-General): Africa & Middle East, Brand South Africa (2013-2016): responsible for development and implementation of the strategy for the marketing of South Africa as a nation brand in the continent and in the Middle East; thus, managing the country’s reputation in order to create a positive brand image and its competitiveness clearly articulated.
• Director (Deputy Director General): West Africa, International Trade & Economic Development, Department of Trade & Industry (2012-2013). Responsible for managing South Africa’s bilateral economic relations with the West Africa sub-Region; thus, developing the country’s economic strategy of engaging the sub-Region including engagement with South African Corporates with operations in West Africa; Heads of Mission from the sub-Region based in SA; Heads of South African Missions in West Africa; Corporates from West Africa who have business interests in SA, among others.
• Director (Deputy Director General): International Relations & Cooperation, Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Province (2007 – 2011). Responsible for, among others, the development and implementation of the provincial International Relations’ Policy and Strategy as well as co-ordination of the Province’s International Relations programme.
• Manager (Deputy Director General): International Relations, City of Cape Town (2005 – 2007) responsible for, among others, ensuring maintenance of healthy relations between the City of Cape Town and other international cities or partners in order to enhance the City’s capacity to execute its constitutional mandate.
• Assistant Director (First Secretary): Foreign Service i.e. Desk Officer responsible for Ethiopia & Eritrea (2004-2005), Department of Foreign Affairs. Part of South Africa’s bilateral relations with Africa broadly with special focus on the two countries. Develop recommendations on the country’s policy positions in carrying out its mandate as an AU mediator in the conflict between the two countries.
• Educator at St. John’s College, Mthatha (1994-2004). Teaching History and English from grade 10 to grade 12.
POLITICAL HISTORY: Not applicable.
LANGUAGES: IsiXhosa (Home language) and English (excellent).
