Interview with H.E. Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa, Ambassador of South Africa to Thailand

Expat Life in Thailand was very pleased to interview the South African Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa. We wish him and his family every success and much happiness whilst in post in Thailand.

How long have you been the Ambassador to Thailand?

I arrived in Thailand on 17th April 2023 from South Africa, and presented my credentials to King Maha Vajiralongkorn on 29th June 2023, after serving in Lagos, Nigeria for almost 7 years as a Consul General from 2015 – 2022.

Did you arrive to Thailand direct from home, and or from where you posted before?

There were some delays so although I was supposed to travel direct from Nigeria to Thailand, I had to return to South Africa first before I came to Bangkok.

Which city were you born and brought up in?

I was born in a town called Vryburg, an agricultural town with a population of 48,400 situated in the North West Province of South Africa. It is the industrial and agricultural heartland of the district of the Bophirima region and I grew up in an adjacent township called Huhudi (known as the place of streams). Vryburg is referred to as the Texas of South Africa because of its many cattle. It is situated in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

At which age did you decide you wanted to become a diplomat?

I never aspired to become a diplomat when I was young. I grew up under the system of apartheid which denied black people any opportunities in all fields in the country. From 1948 to 1994, we could not even vote, did not have passports, and were considered as ‘not being worthy’ to represent our country as black people.

It was only in 1994 that we voted for the first time and could thus become full citizens of South Africa in a democratic system of government, in which all people were considered equal under the leadership of the first black President of South Africa, the late Dr. Nelson Rohlahla Mandela. Opportunities were then opened, especially for the majority who were excluded by the minority racist regime.

Do you have any other diplomats in your family?

I am the first person in my family to become a diplomat. Due to the apartheid, black people could not become anything. They were considered unworthy by the apartheid regime. They were discriminated against, given inferior education and denied basic services such as healthcare, etc. They could not represent South Africa anywhere before 1994.

How do you see Thailand today, in ASEAN, and in a wider context?

Thailand is the second largest economy in ASEAN. It is an upper income country with pro investment policies with well developed infrastructure platform. Within the ASEAN context, it is an important regional hub for trade which comprises approximately 630 million (ASEAN) people.

South Africa considers Thailand to be a gateway into ASEAN, with the potential for greater trade and investment with its 70 million population. There is a need to review tariff barriers which are hindering greater trade between the two countries. This year 2023, South Africa and Thailand celebrate 30 years of solid diplomatic relations, however the levels of trade between the two countries are negligible. A free trade agreement or the removal of the tariff barrier could significantly boost the level of trade between the two countries.

Do you see any similarities between your country and Thailand?

It is always tricky to compare countries. But as two countries in the global South, both Thailand and South Africa share some development challenges. Issues of inequality, the promotion and participation of women and youth in the economy are common challenges between the two countries. The complex urban and rural dichotomies in terms of development are common to both. Both countries have rich cultural and tourism attractions which have shown significant growth potential and must be given more attention. People to people engagement could improve these areas.

Do you have any children, if so at what age and where do they go to school, university, or work?

I have 4 children, all of whom are in South Africa are grown up, they are now adults. One is studying for a diploma in interior design in Cape Town, South Africa. The other siblings are attempting to set up their own businesses. One is a qualified chef who was working in San Francisco (US) but has now come back to look at possibilities of setting himself up in the hospitality industry in South Africa, in the Mahikeng where they are located.

How do you look upon your work here? How does an average day look like?

Since I came about 5/6 months ago, my programme is more about engagement across sectors to promote trade and investment for South Africa. Generally, there would be engagement in the African Group of Ambassadors and the new BRICS of Ambassadors, attending diplomatic functions most days. Monday’s and Friday’s, I do administration work, read and respond to emails, attend planning meetings for the Embassy. At times it can become hectic, but I am learning to cope.

Have you set some goals you really would like to fulfil before you leave Thailand?

As indicated earlier, our main goal and objectives are to increase trade and investment between South Africa and Thailand significantly by the time I leave, if possible. Further to this we would like to see more people engaged between the two countries. The key barrier of high tariffs will need to be reviewed and this is one area I will keep under the radar and raise consistently with all of the relevant authorities. If we can grow tourism and promote more cultural engagements, that would enhance understanding between South Africa and Thailand.

Another unfortunate thing is that there is a paucity of knowledge about the African continent amongst our Thai brothers and sisters, and this one critical area we will need address urgently, so that we can build better understanding amongst the Asian and African people.

Have you managed to travel in Thailand yet?

In the few months that my wife and I have been here, we have not really had the opportunity to travel widely throughout Thailand. It is something we will do and look forward to. So far, we have been to Pattaya and Khon Kaen. We were struck by the beauty of these areas. When we have travelled, we drove and thought ‘what beautiful scenery to behold’!

When you have a day off, what do you prefer to do? Do you have any hobbies or pastimes?

Well, sometimes I would grab a taxi and go sightseeing with my wife, or go on a dinner cruise, some weekends, we just enjoy Bangkok at night. We also enjoy the skytrain sometimes when we are free. But otherwise, I love reading and regularly visit local bookshops to increase my collection of books by buying something enjoyable to read. I firmly believe in continuous learning….

How many of your countryfolk are living in Thailand? When and why did Thailand become a desirable destination for your people?

South Africans look upon Thailand as an exotic preferred destination. They love the architecture of the temples here, the beaches, palm islands and the unique attractions of Thailand. Many of them love holidaying in the coastal resorts like Hua Hin, Phuket and Pattaya, some have made these areas, their homes. They love shopping, especially at MBK. Currently, there are more than 2,000 South Africans in Thailand. Others are here as English teachers and are employed in various schools around Thailand.

Does your country and Thailand have an exchange programme for students?

There are no formal exchange programmes yet. But there are a few students from South Africa in various universities across Thailand. We are engaging other universities, such as Chulalongkorn and others to explore possibilities around that.

Do you recall any fun moment from Thailand that you would like to tell us about?

(Laughing) I am still searching!

Do you regularly meet up with your community?

Yes, obviously as much as we physically can. When we host our various national event such as South African Cultural Night, Braai Day, etc. Sometimes we visit the Escape rooftop bar and restaurant, which is owned by South Africans, or at the Emquartier shopping mall when they host cultural events.

When the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup this year, I have no doubt that all South Africans will come together to celebrate for sure (laughter)!