Our Ambassador’s driver, a black South African, retired today after 37 years of service to the US Government. He worked at the US Embassy here since 1970 and saw his country completely transformed into a republic, and the end of apartheid.  All the time, he rushed ambassadors and other senior diplomats back and forth between Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town, at all hours of the night, usually working 12+ hour days. It was wonderful to hear all the letters from previous Ambassadors who described how this “driver”, who spoke 10 African languages and knew every short cut and dirt road in the country, was the best teacher of South African culture and was instrumental in the successful mission of the American Embassy.

Then the whole auditorium broke out in African singing and high-pitched traditional calls that I can’t begin to describe, and a long procession with everyone dancing and swaying, and singing as we made our way out of the auditorium. It was a very unique way to end a ceremony, unlike anything I have seen before. A lot of fun – and much happier than the traditional retirement ceremonies I have been to, that were more like a funeral!