Beyond Diplomacy
My life of remarkable transitions and the moments that made the difference
by Riaan Eksteen
ISBN 9781485314004
Protea Publishers, October 2022
Beyond Diplomacy covers nearly six decades of Riaan “Koedoe” Eksteen’s eventful career — from being South Africa’s youngest ambassador at the time, taking the helm and transforming broadcasting in South Africa, to being closely involved in Namibia’s pre- and post-independence. Events and altercations that have never before been aired or documented are now put in a new context. For example, what exactly were said in the evening call when P.W. Botha fired Eksteen as head of the SABC? And what were the events that followed this altercation? His involvement in South Africa’s diplomacy started way back when Verwoerd was prime minister. During his extraordinary career he served as ambassador under presidents John Vorster, P.W. Botha, F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela.
Foreword by Ton Vosloo, former chair of Naspers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Riaan Eksteen reflects on his remarkable journey that took him from a diplomatic career under the previous South African dispensation to serving the new South Africa as an Ambassador to several countries, including Namibia. – Prof. Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia
He makes a vital contribution to the country’s recorded diplomacy history and also provides fascinating insights into the political machinations of both the old and new South Africa. – Prof. Deon Geldenhuys, Emeritus professor of Politics and International Relations, UJ
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As a member of the South African Foreign Service, Eksteen started his career in Washington. Subsequently he was appointed ambassador to the UN in New York. After five years as head of the SABC, he was appointed to several ambassadorial positions. He became SA’s first ambassador to Namibia; thereafter he was appointed to the UN in Geneva, and finally was based in Ankara with accreditation to Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan also. For the past 25 years he has been active as an international consultant and lately as an academic.
