Pyle - the diplomatic everyman

| Monday May 6, 2013 00:00

 

The new ambassador tells Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI, that he will use his 'everyman' approach to understand the country and facilitation cooperation with the United Kingdom

The Monitor: Your first impressions upon your appointment?Pyle: I have been here just over 12 weeks but it feels a bit longer because I have been very busy and everyone has been very welcoming. This is actually my ninth year here in Africa and I am passionate about the continent and its future, which also fits into the Group of Eight's vision for the upcoming summit.

The Monitor: What duties does the appointment entail primarily?Pyle: Botswana's progress since 1966 has been remarkable and I know that the government wants to build on that success in spite of the tight and difficult global environment. Part of my role is to offer any assistance the United Kingdom can to help Botswana face these challenges, in a mutually beneficial manner.The trade agenda is very important and one I have a role in as the United Kingdom's representative to SADC.

The Monitor: What is your approach to your interactions with Botswana and your duties?Pyle: My approach to Africa has been about trajectory and pace. I believe as long as the trajectory is in the right direction, in most cases it's just a matter of pace. It is a matter of getting things right rather than rushing something that is functionally flawed which then comes back to haunt you.

I was struck by President (Ian) Khama's Five Ds especially the one on delivery. The collective effort and will of a country will take it forward and no government can do it alone. With the prevailing global economic environment, a country must work to pull together. Botswana must cement the progress made since Independence so that the gains are not lost.

I'm looking forward to discussions with government and His Excellency on how the UK can help to take this trajectory forward.

The Monitor: What are your initial impressions or experiences of Botswana?

Pyle: From the first day, I told myself I was not going to be one of those who stick to Gaborone and Francistown. I drove myself from Gaborone to Kasane, a distance of 2,000 kilometres, and chatted to people all along the way, buying ice cream from vendors.

I was actually impressed with the state of the roads and the scenery was amazing.

I'm looking forward to travelling around the rest of the country.

I believe I'll get to understand the country by doing that myself and not going as a VIP with a driver.

I recently went to watch Gaborone United and also cricket not as a VIP but just a spectator sitting in the stands. I want people to be honest and open because that's how I am. I don't want to approach people as a VIP where they may tell you what they think you want to hear.

For me, in Africa it's not about what to do; it's about how we do it. The idea is to establish solid relationships and get to understand the country. This is not always top-down, but also bottoms-up.

The Monitor: What do you do in the little spare time you have?Pyle: I am a passionate football fan and a passionate Manchester United fan! I have joined the local golf club and I am also passionate about the environment, which is partly why I have committed my future to Africa.