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THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Mar 18 2010 01:42 | LAST UPDATED Mar 18 2010 01:42 |
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What do you give a woman who has everything -- more money than she can ever spend, the world's most popular TV show and the friendship of US president elect Barack Obama? How about an ambassadorial posting? According to the diplomatic rumour mill in Pretoria, Obama is looking at Oprah Winfrey as the next United States ambassador to South Africa. The theory is that Winfrey is being considered as the successor to outgoing US ambassador Eric Bost, a George Bush appointee. "She's the only candidate being talked about as coming here. It sounds strange, but that's what's being said. We don't know whether she will take it, as she would need to decide what would happen to her TV show," a US embassy official told the Mail & Guardian. Early in Obama's campaign Winfrey declared her support for the Democrat and joined him on the campaign trail, in her first taste of politics. Winfrey's representatives were adamant that she is not interested in the job, but protocol on diplomatic appointments is that appointees remain tight-lipped until the president makes the announcement. An ambassadorial posting for Winfrey was first mooted in October in the British press, which suggested she might be appointed to lead the US embassy in London. But South Africa is the more logical option, insiders say. "She has the school [The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls] here and obviously loves the country," another US diplomat told the M&G.  CONTINUES BELOW The downside is that Winfrey would have to keep her lip under tight rein -- a practice for which she shows little talent on the small screen. Some even consider an ambassadorship would be a step down for the first lady of daytime television. But as one of the richest women on earth -- her personal fortune is estimated at $200-million -- take-home pay is not her overriding concern. She is said to be looking for a new challenge, with her personal trainer, Bob Greene, reportedly saying she has lost her "zest for life". And everyone knows nothing puts the zest back like fearing for your life in inner-city Pretoria. Winfrey would have to tie up her enormous assets in a blind trust if she heads to South Africa, to avoid a conflict of interest between her business dealings and other US companies represented in South Africa. She would still have access to royalties from the Oprah Winfrey Show and O magazine which would have to be declared to the US government. Observers also argue that Obama is considering shifting America's base in Africa to Kenya, both because of his family connection with that country and because US relations with South Africa have become frostier over the years. One implication of this could be a heavyweight posting to Nairobi and a downgrading of the Pretoria embassy. TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
Comments
Tokunbo Olowokandi on January 20, 2009, 11:40 am
She would be ideal because of her passionate interest in nurturing South African education. However, she will be exposed to too much injustice in South Africa. The number of things to be proud of in South Africa is decreasing everyday. Our education system has detoriated badly, our politics have become a mockery to the voters. Youth of South Africa is not well represented by their Youth leaders. Mostly, they rape, rob, kill and some are living in poverty with degrees and diplomas while youth leaders are busy active to brainwash people's mind with no action.
Nosisi Feza-Piyose on January 21, 2009, 12:18 am
Let's hope that South Africa and Africa does not become the victim of Oprah's aspirations. Oprah's approach to development can at best be described as colonial philanthropy, a way of thinking that diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States can do without.
maria cesar on January 21, 2009, 6:43 pm
Oprah’s approach to development can be labeled colonial philanthropy. This is a way of thinking that the diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States can do without.
maria cesar on January 21, 2009, 9:10 pm
I have to assume that this is some kind of sick joke.
Iain Moodie on January 22, 2009, 11:35 am
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Heading down south: Queen of talk Oprah Winfrey could be the next US ambassador to South Africa. (Photograph: Oupa Nkosi)
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but it would be amusing to see her faced with the reality of life in this place. because if she herself doesn't get robbed or ripped off down here, i'm sure that her staff would be. because, let's face it, she would find a way to keep running her show.