The recent expulsion of US Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from South Africa has sparked a wave of criticism and condemnation from opposition parties in the country. The US State Secretary Marco Rubio’s scathing remarks labeling Rasool as a “race-baiting politician who hates America” have escalated tensions between the two nations, which have been on a downward spiral since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, has urged for a more diplomatic approach, emphasizing the need for face-to-face discussions rather than engaging in “Twitter diplomacy”. However, other politicians, such as Julius Malema from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, have taken a more aggressive stance, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa not to succumb to pressure from the “orange clown occupying the White House”.
The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) Secretary General, Apa Pooe, has also condemned the US’s decision, viewing it as an attack on South Africa’s sovereignty and an attempt to dictate policy within the country. Pooe emphasized that South Africa is not a puppet of the US and has the right to govern its own affairs without external interference.
The strained relationship between the US and South Africa can be traced back to Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s controversial land bill, which allows the government to confiscate land without compensation under certain circumstances. Trump’s decision to cut aid to South Africa, alleging discrimination against the white Afrikaner minority, has further exacerbated tensions between the two nations.
Ebrahim Rasool, who previously served as US ambassador from 2010 to 2015 during Barack Obama’s presidency, was reappointed in 2024 due to his extensive network of contacts in Washington. However, his pro-Palestine politics and other factors have hindered his ability to set up meetings with Trump, according to reports from South African diplomats.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a coalition partner in South Africa’s government of national unity (GNU), has raised concerns about the African National Congress (ANC) having sole control over foreign policy decisions and diplomatic appointments. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp has called for members of the GNU to be allowed to engage with Washington to ease tensions and ensure a more balanced approach to foreign relations.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how South Africa will navigate its diplomatic relations with the US amidst escalating tensions and political pressure. The call for dialogue and diplomacy from some quarters contrasts with the more confrontational stance taken by others, highlighting the complexities and challenges of international relations in a rapidly changing global landscape.
