Beyond diplomacy covers nearly six decades of Riaan “Koedoe” Eksteen’s eventful career — from being South Africa’s youngest ambassador at the time, taking the helm and transforming broadcasting in South Africa, to being closely involved in Namibia’s pre- and post-independence. Events and altercations that have never before been aired or documented are now put in a new context. For example, what exactly were said in the evening call when PW Botha fired Eksteen as head of the SABC? And what were the events that followed this altercation? His involvement in South Africa’s diplomacy started way back when Verwoerd was prime minister. During his extraordinary career he served as ambassador under presidents John Vorster, PW Botha, FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela.