Lana Marks. Photo–Twitter.
Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), top Democrat serving on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, has voiced concern over the qualifications of President Trump’s appointment for the post of ambassador to South Africa.
“I’m encouraged that the Trump administration and the State Department are expressing interest in staffing important U.S. diplomatic posts in African countries,” Bass said. “This is absolutely essential to bettering our relationship with the countries on the continent and the economic opportunities they offer.”
President Trump announced the nomination of Lana Marks, the South African-born fashion handbag designer as the United States Ambassador to South Africa. She’s also a member of Trump’s exclusive Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. She would be the fourth club member appointed ambassador by Trump.
“In order for our country to fully take advantage of these opportunities, it is imperative that people with strong backgrounds relevant to the countries they will serve are appointed to be ambassadors, especially to sensitive countries such as South Africa, where less than 70 years ago, the United States refused to stand with the rest of the world in opposing the Apartheid regime established there,” Bass added, of the nomination. “South Africa is a key strategic partner and a key ally on the continent and I look forward to continuing our work to build capacity there.”
