Ndumiso Ntshinga, the former Ambassador of South Africa to Ethiopia, Kenya and China, has been appointed head of mission at the South African Embassy in Washington DC. He succeeds Ambassador Nomaindia Mfeketo who recently stepped down as South Africa’s ambassador to the US. Welcoming Ambassador Ndumiso Ntshinga to Washington DC, Neil Diamond, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA), said his arrival marked a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between South Africa and the United States.
“I am particularly enthusiastic about the collaboration opportunities this appointment brings. Our mission at SACCUSA is to foster bilateral trade and cultural exchanges, and having Ambassador Ntshinga at the helm will undoubtedly catalyze our efforts,” Mr Diamond said. “We are committed to supporting the Ambassador and his team in realizing the objectives of the embassy. This includes a focus on economic diplomacy, which is pivotal in enhancing trade and investment between our two nations. We believe that through sustained economic partnerships, we can contribute to mutual growth and prosperity.” READ ALSO: Top five African cities with the best nightlife
He added that SACCUSA was keen to bolster cultural diplomacy. “By showcasing South Africa’s rich heritage and diverse cultures in the USA, we aim to build bridges that transcend beyond mere economic interests, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our unique identities,” Mr Diamond said.
Who is Ambassador Ndumiso Ndima Ntshinga?
The new head of mission at the South African Embassy in Washington DC obtained a Master of Law degree in 1984 from the University of Sofia, Bulgaria.
Ambassador Ntshinga previously served as Deputy Director-General (DDG) or Head of Americas and Europe at the South African Department of Foreign Affairs (now Department of International Relations and Cooperation). From 2006 to 2010, he served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.
From there he was appointed South Africa’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Somalia, and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations organisations stationed in Nairobi. He held the posts from 2010 to 2013.
Ambassador Ntshinga later served from 2013 to 2019 as South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa; South Africa’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and also non-resident ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti.
Upon leaving his post in Ethiopia, he returned to South Africa where he was appointed Deputy Director-General for Africa at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and acted as Deputy Director-General for Global Governance and Continental Agenda.
Ambassador Ndumiso Ntshinga, the new head of mission at the South African Embassy in Washington DC has played important roles in peace building initiatives and Post Conflict Reconstruction (PCRD) in different countries including South Sudan, Central African Republic, Burundi, and Somalia.