Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated following the expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from Washington. The US State Department declared Rasool an “unwelcome person,” giving him just 72 hours to leave the country after a scathing remark from US State Secretary Marco Rubio, who described him as a “race-baiting politician who hates America.”
This diplomatic incident marks the latest in a series of tensions between the two nations, which have worsened since the presidency of Donald Trump. South Africa’s political leadership, however, has expressed strong opposition to the US move, with some calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa not to bow to external pressure.
South African Government and Political Response
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, weighed in on the growing diplomatic rift, telling public broadcaster SABC that the situation would be better addressed through direct, face-to-face dialogue rather than through “Twitter diplomacy.” Lamola emphasized that communication between the two countries must occur through proper diplomatic channels to resolve the issues at hand.
However, opposition parties have been less diplomatic in their reactions. Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party issued a fierce statement, urging President Ramaphosa not to allow South Africa to be “bullied” by the US. Malema, a vocal critic of Western imperialism, called the actions of the US “insulting,” particularly given the country’s ongoing influence on South Africa’s internal policies.
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) also condemned the expulsion of Rasool, with Secretary General Apa Pooe labeling the move an attack on South Africa’s sovereignty. Pooe called it a “blatant attempt to dictate South Africa’s policy from abroad,” stressing that South Africa is not a “puppet” to the United States.
Trump Administration and South Africa’s Land Reform Law
The deterioration of relations between the two countries has been a growing issue since Trump assumed office. One of the core points of contention has been South Africa’s controversial land reform law, which allows the government to seize land without compensation in certain cases. Trump has been a vocal critic of the law, claiming that it discriminates against white South Africans, particularly the Afrikaner minority, which descends from Dutch and French settlers.
This critique, combined with other policy disagreements, led to Trump cutting aid to South Africa in August 2024, further straining bilateral ties. The South African government has consistently denied any racial discrimination in the land reform policy, asserting that it is aimed at addressing historical imbalances from the apartheid era.
Rasool’s Background and Challenges in Diplomacy
Ebrahim Rasool, a former ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2015 under President Barack Obama, was reappointed in 2024. His previous experience and established relationships with Washington officials were cited as key reasons for his appointment. Despite his credentials, Rasool has faced challenges in building rapport with the Trump administration. An unnamed South African diplomat cited Rasool’s strong pro-Palestinian stance, which may have complicated his diplomatic work in Washington during the current political climate.
Given these tensions, it’s not surprising that the Trump administration chose to expel Rasool. His political views, particularly in relation to Middle Eastern issues, have been viewed with suspicion by some US officials, making it difficult for him to establish effective relations with the current US leadership.
Political Debate Over South Africa’s Foreign Policy
The political fallout from the expulsion also sparked a broader debate within South Africa about its foreign policy decision-making process. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a coalition partner in the government of national unity, criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for maintaining sole control over foreign policy and diplomatic appointments. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp questioned why the ANC, which commands only 39% of the national vote, was allowed to make key diplomatic decisions without broader consultation with coalition partners.
Aucamp suggested that South Africa’s diplomatic approach should be more inclusive, with members of the national unity government engaging directly with Washington to help de-escalate tensions. This push for a more collaborative foreign policy underscores the complex dynamics within the governing coalition, as well as concerns about how South Africa navigates its international relations amidst growing global pressure.
A Shift in South Africa-US Relations?
The expulsion of Ambassador Rasool signals a possible turning point in South Africa’s relationship with the United States. While both countries share a long history of cooperation in various fields, the increasingly polarized political environment under Trump’s administration, combined with disagreements over land reform and the treatment of South Africa’s racial minorities, appears to be deepening the rift.
South Africa’s government faces a delicate balancing act: it must assert its sovereignty in the face of international pressure, while also maintaining crucial economic and diplomatic ties. As tensions continue to rise, the coming months will likely determine whether the two countries can rebuild their relationship or if further confrontations will ensue.
In the meantime, President Ramaphosa’s leadership will be under scrutiny, as opposition parties call for a more assertive stance in defending South Africa’s national interests against external influence.
