US Consul General pays a visit to the South Coast
Ms Sykes will serve as Consul General for three years and she is not planning on going home anytime soon.
The diplomat to lead the US Consulate General in Durban is Consul General Sherry Zalika Sykes. Sherry started her new position in September this year and on Tuesday of this week, came to the South Coast to start various programmes that will benefit the coast’s economy, as well as the youth.
“Our people-focused leadership in Durban will help to expand economic business ties on the South Coast, broaden educational exchanges and strengthen health initiatives in the important province of KwaZulu-Natal,” said Ms Sykes.
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Before joining the Department of State, Ms Sykes served as development advisor to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Tanzania and held numerous leadership positions in local government and organisations in California.
“I have been career foreign service officer with the US Department of State with previous diplomatic postings in Lagos, Addis Ababa, Maputo and Durban. I also served as Deputy Director of the Office of Conservation and Water.”
The diplomat’s main aim in coming to the South Coast is to help students of Esayidi TVET College and communities to be job ready, to build concise CVs, as well as assisting them in building their confidence.
She also visited Genesis Care Centre to teach the youth and caregivers about HIV prevention, the ability to live with the epidemic, prevention of the virus from affecting unborn babies, as well as the importance of taking one’s medication.
“With the help of Ugu District Municipality I also want to achieve impact, people interaction and people development through specific programmes designed to uplift the South Coast,” explained Ms Sykes.
Though she is now enjoying her job, she admits that, at first, it was challenging. “Being Consul General needs a lot of discipline. As new leadership, I had to build a new team. I didn’t want to be a dull leader. I wanted to keep my team motivated. I had to make sure my leadership skills were different and effective.”
Ms Sykes will serve as Consul General for three years and she is not planning on going home anytime soon.
“I enjoy living in South Africa so my husband, Michael, who is in Tanzania, has to come to South Africa for Christmas. There is a lot I love to do in Durban, but on the South Coast I enjoyed the Ramsgate Book and Art Festival and would love to do it again.”
Ms Sykes holds degrees from reputable universities from all over the world and she also speaks several African languages including Swahili. Since she is now based in KwaZulu-Natal, she is working towards being fluent in isiZulu.
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