As 🇿🇦 Chief of State Protocol let me assist with practical examples. We've received & bid farewell to USA Presidents Carter, Clinton, Bush & Obama in SA without our President. We recently hosted Presidents of Ukraine & Botswana...again, you didn't see President Ramaphosa receiving them at the airport. This is how state protocol works. There are few occasions where states deviate from these established SOPs.
I don’t know, but maybe the Rupert-phobia needs to be toned down in some circles. That man demonstrated deep patriotism that was frankly, moving. He LANDED THE MESSAGE with authenticity & conviction. He didn't have to do any of that, he's wealthy, doesn't really need South Africa, but still, he spoke to protect it. Amazing, that.
@imanrappetti I think the Labour Rep and Rupert did well. The others...not so much. They sounded like they were negotiating their positions on the global stage.
@imanrappetti They did very well under difficult circumstances. They came across as humans, willing to acknowledge we have problems and emphasising our need for investment and help in order to address these.
I could never be a president because I have a bit of a temper and would have to ask my counterpart “Uyabona ukuthi udakiwe?!” and risk my country’s trade relations.