Message for 'confused' SA from formerly embedded advisor in Ukraine, erstwhile UK-diplomat Cormac Smith

In October 2016, British civil servant Cormac Smith was seconded to Ukraine to take up a special appointment as the Strategic Communication Advisor to then foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin. For the 18 months of his posting, Smith was embedded in Klimkin's department, the first foreigner to be given unfettered access across the Ministry. He says trust was built up through a strategy of gaining a rapid understanding of the culture, issues and history of the hugely complex nation. During his time in Kyiv he advised and provided training for five other government ministries and worked directly with the Deputy Prime Minister; and the Ministers of Health and Education. Smith, who says he came away from Kyiv with a "deep understanding and empathy" for Ukraine and its people, is in daily contact with a range of former Ukrainian colleagues in government and friends who are in the middle of the conflict. In this special podcast, he gives BizNews editor Alec Hogg an update on the latest developments, the roots to the war - and delivers clear message to a 'confused' South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices