"NOTHING is more satisfying to me than serving my country," says Thilivhali Ratshitanga.
Thilivhali is the Deputy Director: Media Research, Analysis and Speechwriting at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, where he's involved in conceptualising, researching and drafting speeches for the minister.
Thilivhali always had an interest in international relations and politics, and his interest increased when two of his uncles were jailed in Venda for political reasons.
During high school, his interest grew even stronger on learning about the United Nations and the League of Nations and during the Gulf War, when media reports frequently made reference to diplomatic efforts.
He began his career as a coordinator during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. He says: "When I had some spare time, I asked my supervisor if I could add value to his writing assignments, rather than just coordinate foreign affairs documents. In my second job at the Ekurhuleni metropolitan, I did not have a specific job description. So I negotiated with my boss to add speech writing as one of my key performance areas.
"I was hired as a speechwriter in the department."
Working hours are usually from 8am to 4.30pm, but Thilivhali often works longer hours because of pressing deadlines. He quotes Martin Luther King Junior: "Blessed are those who toil through the night while their companions sleep."
He adds: "An average day consists of drafting and reworking speeches for the minister and meeting deadlines for a variety of other tasks."
Thilivhali also assists the senior management of the directorate in strategising and implementing the business plan.
This in turn affects the business plan of the Public Diplomacy branch and that of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation as a whole.
Because a large portion of his job requires language and writing skills, it's essential that a speechwriter enjoys reading and writing, he says.
Thilivhali clarifies: "Good speechwriters are people who enjoy reading and accumulating knowledge, not only for their own interest, but also for the purposes of knowledge capturing, management and dissemination in order to effectively implement foreign policy objectives.
"Interest in current affairs and, more specifically, politics, is essential, as one's work needs to be in sync with the country's political dynamics, as well as the ruling party's mandate."
Thilivhali lists the necessary skills as: writing, editing, project management and other management skills; knowledge of foreign policy; time management; patience; good interpersonal skills and strategic-analytical skills.
Candidates must be willing to travel frequently as speechwriters often travel internationally with their minister to assist with the adjustment of speeches for different audiences.
Thilivhali adds: "I derive a great deal of job satisfaction from knowing that I'm contributing to the betterment of my country.
"Speechwriters constantly have to remind themselves not to tire or quit, as their daily tasks often go unrecognised.
"But remember the bigger picture and reward of contributing positively to the improvement of South Africa."
Ultimately, Thilivhali's aspirations are to become an ambassador as he's passionate about serving his country.
He explains: "As an ambassador, I'd use my skills for the betterment of our people, ensuring that the dividends of our foreign engagements are reaped by our people. This would contribute towards pushing back the frontiers of poverty."
Qualifications for this position depend on the core mandate of each specific department, but a BA with a major in International Relations, Politics, Economics and Development Studies, provides a good background.
Thilivhali advises: "Find out what you love and enjoy and make money doing it.
"Don't limit your prospects on the basis of what you've studied because, with regard to writing, if you have passion, the rest will follow.
"Patience and focus are key attributes. Instead of standing on the margins and complaining about the government, get actively involved.
"Be the difference that you want to see." - SA Career Focus
Penning government speeches
"NOTHING is more satisfying to me than serving my country," says Thilivhali Ratshitanga.
Thilivhali is the Deputy Director: Media Research, Analysis and Speechwriting at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, where he's involved in conceptualising, researching and drafting speeches for the minister.
Thilivhali always had an interest in international relations and politics, and his interest increased when two of his uncles were jailed in Venda for political reasons.
During high school, his interest grew even stronger on learning about the United Nations and the League of Nations and during the Gulf War, when media reports frequently made reference to diplomatic efforts.
He began his career as a coordinator during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. He says: "When I had some spare time, I asked my supervisor if I could add value to his writing assignments, rather than just coordinate foreign affairs documents. In my second job at the Ekurhuleni metropolitan, I did not have a specific job description. So I negotiated with my boss to add speech writing as one of my key performance areas.
"I was hired as a speechwriter in the department."
Working hours are usually from 8am to 4.30pm, but Thilivhali often works longer hours because of pressing deadlines. He quotes Martin Luther King Junior: "Blessed are those who toil through the night while their companions sleep."
He adds: "An average day consists of drafting and reworking speeches for the minister and meeting deadlines for a variety of other tasks."
Thilivhali also assists the senior management of the directorate in strategising and implementing the business plan.
This in turn affects the business plan of the Public Diplomacy branch and that of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation as a whole.
Because a large portion of his job requires language and writing skills, it's essential that a speechwriter enjoys reading and writing, he says.
Thilivhali clarifies: "Good speechwriters are people who enjoy reading and accumulating knowledge, not only for their own interest, but also for the purposes of knowledge capturing, management and dissemination in order to effectively implement foreign policy objectives.
"Interest in current affairs and, more specifically, politics, is essential, as one's work needs to be in sync with the country's political dynamics, as well as the ruling party's mandate."
Thilivhali lists the necessary skills as: writing, editing, project management and other management skills; knowledge of foreign policy; time management; patience; good interpersonal skills and strategic-analytical skills.
Candidates must be willing to travel frequently as speechwriters often travel internationally with their minister to assist with the adjustment of speeches for different audiences.
Thilivhali adds: "I derive a great deal of job satisfaction from knowing that I'm contributing to the betterment of my country.
"Speechwriters constantly have to remind themselves not to tire or quit, as their daily tasks often go unrecognised.
"But remember the bigger picture and reward of contributing positively to the improvement of South Africa."
Ultimately, Thilivhali's aspirations are to become an ambassador as he's passionate about serving his country.
He explains: "As an ambassador, I'd use my skills for the betterment of our people, ensuring that the dividends of our foreign engagements are reaped by our people. This would contribute towards pushing back the frontiers of poverty."
Qualifications for this position depend on the core mandate of each specific department, but a BA with a major in International Relations, Politics, Economics and Development Studies, provides a good background.
Thilivhali advises: "Find out what you love and enjoy and make money doing it.
"Don't limit your prospects on the basis of what you've studied because, with regard to writing, if you have passion, the rest will follow.
"Patience and focus are key attributes. Instead of standing on the margins and complaining about the government, get actively involved.
"Be the difference that you want to see." - SA Career Focus
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