Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated after Washington expelled South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, giving him just 72 hours to leave the country. The move, ordered by US State Secretary Marco Rubio, was justified by accusations that Rasool was a “race-baiting politician who hates America.”
South Africa’s opposition parties have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to resist US pressure, calling the expulsion an attack on the country’s sovereignty. Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly criticized the US, urging Ramaphosa “not to allow the country to be bullied by the orange clown occupying the White House.”
Similarly, Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) Secretary General Apa Pooe condemned the US decision, stating, “SA is not a puppet of the US; we have the right to govern our country without any interference.”
The diplomatic row comes amid strained relations between the two countries, exacerbated by US concerns over South Africa’s land reform policies. Former President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about alleged discrimination against South Africa’s white Afrikaner minority, recently cut aid to the country. The US has also opposed South Africa’s pro-Palestine stance, which some believe contributed to Rasool’s expulsion.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, urged for direct dialogue rather than “Twitter diplomacy,” emphasizing that face-to-face engagement was necessary to mend relations. However, the controversy highlights deeper issues in South Africa’s diplomatic landscape.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a coalition partner in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), has questioned the African National Congress’ (ANC) continued control over foreign policy. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp criticized the ANC’s unilateral approach, stating, “It is simply not right that the ANC has carte blanche on foreign policy while they are only a 39% party.” The DA has called for GNU representatives to visit Washington to de-escalate tensions.
With diplomatic relations between the two nations at a critical juncture, Ramaphosa faces mounting pressure to navigate the crisis without yielding to US demands while maintaining crucial international ties.
