H.E. Koleka Mqulwana South African High Commissioner to Australia
DS: Last country based before being posted to Australia
HE: South Africa
DS: Most interesting place in Australia
HE: The Northern Territory. It is where you see the majority of Australia’s aboriginal people - the first owners of the land.
DS: Your impression about Australia in three words
HE: Flora and fauna; techno-savvy
DS: One place you would like to be posted to or visit
HE: I am happy to serve my country in any posting where I can make a difference.
DS: Most memorable appointment thus far
HE: Being my first diplomatic posting, my most memorable appointment in Canberra is my Presentation of my Credentials to the Australian Governor-General
DS: Most challenging situation that you had to handle thus far
HE: Being asked to address the Australian Parliament on an issue relating to the investigation of a 2004 crash of a South African registered aircraft in Zambia.
DS: Favourite part of your own country (South Africa)
HE: Limpopo and Mpumalanga
DS: Favourite place to visit elsewhere
HE: The home of Martin Luther King Jr in the United States
DS: Favourite dish of your country (South Africa)
HE: Umngqusho and Penisi
DS: Favourite dish of another country
HE: In Australia - Salad and seafood
DS: Favourite book
HE: Bala’s Hill and Beyond: A True Story of Indians under Apartheid in South Africa by Dr Jay Sadhai
DS: At the moment I am reading…..
HE: Aboriginal Convicts: Australian, Khoisan and Maori Exiles by Kristyn Harman. (Covers the life of Chief Dawid Stuurman in Australia)
DS: I spend my leisure time….
HE: Going to the gym and, as a single mother, spending time with my daughter taking her to her hockey matches, dragon boat races and watching her participate in the school debating team.
DS: One sentence describing a lesson that you have learnt from being a diplomat
HE: The importance of respecting and appreciating cultural difference, being tolerant of others and the need for good communication skills.