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.
![Algeria president holds meeting with military officials [Morning Call]](https://static.euronews.com/articles/1005393/320x180_1005393.jpg?1580284389)
Go to video
Ugandans must talk about transition: outgoing US ambassador
Go to video
No more birth tourism: United States limits visas to pregnant women
00:52
United States wants withdrawal of all foreign troops from Libya
Go to video
South Africa mediates Lesotho 'political murder' crisis: PM to quit