H.E. Beniamino (Ben) Salacakau High Commissioner for the Republic of Fiji in Pretoria South Africa
DS: Last country where you were based before coming to South Africa
HE: This is my first posting as a Diplomat. Most of my life has been in Education as a School Principal in High Schools.
DS: Most interesting place in South Africa
HE: Hard to single out as there is so much history, culture and wild life here from time immemorial. I enjoyed the national parks and the many monuments like Freedom Park , Voortrekker Monument etc.
DS: Your impression about South Africa in 3 words
HE: Not easy….. interesting, mysterious, exciting.
DS: One place you would like to be posted to or visit
HE: Japan
DS: Most memorable appointment thus far
HE: South Africa of course.
DS: Most challenging situation that you had to handle thus far
HE: Representing a country facing isolation.
DS: My inspiration is/comes from.
HE: My Minister for Foreign Affairs who has worked hard to build Fiji’s relations in the height of much difficulty.
DS: Place in your country that you love to visit.
HE: Cruise in the Yasawa islands.
DS: Most interesting place to visit elsewhere
HE: Holy Land.
DS: Favourite dish of your country
HE: Fish in coconut cream
DS: Tastiest dish of another Country.
HE: Mongolian Lamb.
DS: The best book I have ever read.
HE: To kill a Mocking Bird.
DS: I spend my leisure time
HE: Learning the piano and watching sports on TV etc.
DS: One sentence describing a lesson that you have learnt from being a diplomat
HE: Diplomats must have only friends and your success is measured by how close they are to you.