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SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY IN ROME: NEWSLETTER
AMBASCIATA DEL SUDAFRICA A ROMA: NOTIZIARIO

My experience in Rome

I am Refilwe Addo, Third Secretary for Corporate Ser-

vices at the South African Embassy here in Rome. I ar-

rived in Rome mid-December 2016 and was welcomed by

the amazingly kind and very supportive Embassy staff.

When I arrived, I was astonished by our incredible Chan-

cery, which is a four-storey state owned property. It is truly

beautiful and boasts the architecture of the old Roman

Empire.

Upon my arrival I was introduced to South African Catho-

lic Priests who are studying here, and was pleasantly sur-

prised hearing them speaking Zulu and Setswana after

their long stay in Rome.

My first major project after my arrival was to receive a del-

egation from South Africa led by Former Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. I felt honoured

working closely with him and he made me feel proud serving my country abroad.

It is also my privilege to be able to help South Africans who may be in distress during their hour

of need, for example, by providing assistance to those who may have lost their passports or,

worse, had them stolen, along with their personal effects.

My responsibilities include assisting with the provision of emergency traveling documents.

Through this process I have met many fellow South Africans and realised how important my

contribution can be in a foreign country.

It is also rewarding to see fellow South Africans living in Italy furthering their education through

the University of South Africa (UNISA). I play the role of Chief Invigilator when they write their

exams. The commitment I see in these fellow South Africans, to obtain higher educational quali-

fications, really inspires me.

My posting to Rome posed very exciting challenges. Overcoming the language barrier is an on-

going challenge, but I am doing my best. I have also witnessed my children flourish in a chal-

lenging environment and seeing them make friends and expand their horizons has given me

great joy. My husband has mastered the challenges of driving in Rome and, with his support, we

like to explore this beautiful country.

I am for ever thankful for the opportunity to serve my country abroad.

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