
South Africa
The United States announced on Friday it had appointed Lana Marks has been appointed U.S. ambassador to South Africa.
Marks, a luxury handbag designer, was born in South Africa and speaks Afrikaans and Xhosa, the White House has said.
The U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination, which President Donald Trump put forward last year.
Washington has had no ambassador in South Africa since Patrick Gaspard left in December 2016, with its mission being overseen by a chargé d’affaires.
The website for Marks’ firm offers handbags for up to $20,000 and says they have become favourites for celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Kate Winslet and Madonna.
Go to video
African gut study reveals urbanization threatens microbial diversity
01:29
Donald Trump announces talks between US and Iranian officials next week
Go to video
US embassy in Monrovia tells visa applicants to make social media accounts 'public' for vetting
02:20
John Cena and Idris Elba-starring action film "Heads of State" premieres in New York
01:00
Animal shelters in the US use live music to soothe anxious pets
01:05
Migrant centre in landmark New York hotel closes down