Katlego Sekhu

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) recently hosted a Protocol and Etiquette Training session for the spouses and partners of ministers and deputy ministers.
The event was facilitated by Ms Bawinile Lamola and aimed to equip attendees with essential skills for their roles in diplomatic and public engagements.
The training likely covered a range of topics, including:
- Diplomatic protocol: Understanding international customs, etiquette, and diplomatic courtesies.
- Cross-cultural communication: Navigating social and cultural nuances in different countries.
- Representational roles: Clarifying the responsibilities of spouses and partners in diplomatic settings.
- Public image and media relations: Managing media interactions and maintaining a positive public image.
When DIRCO shared photos of the event on X (formerly Twitter), it sparked widespread outrage. Many users questioned the source of funding for the event, despite DIRCO clarifying that Assupol and Huawei proudly sponsored it. The backlash highlighted public concerns over government spending and transparency.
In response to the controversy, The Siz The World team and its listeners shared their perspectives on the matter. While some echoed the public’s frustration, others emphasised the importance of such training for the country’s diplomatic efforts.
Read Next: Things you miss most about SA while overseas



