US Consul delivers public lecture

Brian Phipps from the United States of America Consul delivered a public lecture titled "A discussion on bilateral relations between the United States of America and South Africa", at the North-West University Mafikeng Campus on 27 July.

Phipps is the Political Affairs Consul for the United States Mission to South Africa. In his lecture he explained how bilateral relations between the US and South Africa came about, as well as making a note of how far back South Africa and the US have enjoyed bilateral relations with each another.

The US government sponsors international and professional exchange programmes in a dedicated effort to try to enhance mutual understanding between the United States and South Africa. This includes programmes such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship along with the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Programme. In addition to the sponsored programmes, the US government also introduced health care education programmes and import and export exchange programmes.

The lecture was followed by a lively question-and-answer session between students and Phipps on various topics, including current trade relations between the two states.

Phipps is a Fulbright Scholar and holds a BA degree in History from Yale University as well as a master's degree in History from Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand. His work experience in International Relations includes posts in countries including Mogadishu, Somalia, M'erida, M'exico and London, to name but a few.