By Johnathan Paoli
The South African government and political parties have reacted strongly to the United States’ decision to expel Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, with responses ranging from diplomatic regret to outright condemnation of Washington’s stance.
The controversy began when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Rasool persona non grata via social media, accusing him of being a race-baiting politician who despises the US and its executive.
This expulsion, a rare and significant diplomatic move, comes amid increasing tensions between the country and South Africa over various policy differences, including land reform and South Africa’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya expressed regret over the expulsion, emphasising South Africa’s commitment to diplomacy.
“The Presidency has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Ebrahim Rasool. The Presidency urges all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter,” Magwenya said.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation also acknowledged Rubio’s remarks and indicated it would engage through diplomatic channels.
“We have noted the tweet by the US Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio. We will engage through the diplomatic channel,” spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) called the expulsion “deeply unfortunate” and urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritize stabilizing relations with the U.S.
DA International Relations spokesperson Emma Powell remarked,
“The DA views the escalating tensions between the United States and South Africa as deeply unfortunate and we call on the Presidency to expedite the GNU’s formal delegation to the U.S. to negotiate a pathway toward stabilizing diplomatic relations,” she said.
In contrast, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) took a far more confrontational stance, accusing the US of engaging in imperialist intimidation and attempting to interfere in the country’s internal affairs.
Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo argued that right-wing groups in the country have grown emboldened by their ties to the Trump administration.
“The decision by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio comes weeks after the Donald Trump administration has gone on a rampage to spread misinformation about South Africa,” Tambo said.
Additionally, the EFF criticised the potential appointment of Joel Pollak, a former speechwriter for Tony Leon and a senior editor at the conservative US media outlet Breitbart, as the next ambassador.
The party described Pollak as a white supremacist and warned that it would pressure President Cyril Ramaphosa to refuse his diplomatic credentials if he were appointed.
Tambo urged Ramaphosa to resist political pressure and not allow South Africa to be “bullied” by the Trump administration.
The party reiterated its opposition to what it sees as US interference in the country’s domestic policies and called for a firm stance against foreign influence.
Lobby group AfriForum, which has often been at odds with the ruling African National Congress (ANC), welcomed the U.S. decision, blaming the ANC for deteriorating relations.
“ANC leaders and their deployed cadre Ebrahim Rasool should take direct responsibility for the escalation of tensions between South Africa and the US. A change of direction is needed in South Africa, and that is what AfriForum is working for,” CEO Kallie Kriel said.
He reiterated concerns that recent South African policies, particularly the Expropriation Bill, were alienating key international partners, including the US.
The expulsion of Rasool adds to existing diplomatic strains, particularly after Trump’s February decision to freeze US aid to South Africa.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that South Africa is carrying out a “genocide” against white farmers through land expropriation policies.
Additionally, Trump recently invited white South African farmers to immigrate to the US for their safety.
With South Africa set to hand over the G20 presidency later this year, there are concerns that ongoing tensions may impact global diplomatic engagements.
Rasool, before his expulsion, had warned that South Africa must remain strategic in its G20 presidency and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Despite the backlash from various quarters, the South African government remains firm in its commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations.
However, the growing ideological and policy differences between Pretoria and Washington, particularly under the Trump administration, indicate that future engagements may be fraught with challenges.
For now, South Africa finds itself navigating a precarious diplomatic situation, balancing its domestic policies with its relationship with a historically important international partner.
The expulsion of Rasool is just one flash-point in what appears to be a broader geopolitical shift in US-South Africa relations.
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