As tensions rise, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa is facing a diplomatic pickle in the wake of Ebrahim Rasool's expulsion from the United States. Rasool, who served as the South African ambassador to the US, was declared persona non grata following comments he made that criticized President Donald Trump, leading to a flurry of diplomatic repercussions.
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the Presidency, revealed that Rasool had until March 21 to leave the US. "Washington described Rasool's remarks as obscene and lacking respect," Magwenya confirmed during a media briefing. The situation has prompted Ramaphosa to carefully consider alternatives for appointing a new ambassador, emphasizing the importance of not rushing into the decision amid these strained relations.
President Ramaphosa is reportedly keen to reset the relationship with the Trump administration. His administration recognizes the potential for improvement, particularly concerning trade opportunities, which has been a focal point in South Africa’s foreign policy. “Of course, the president is concerned about the current state of relations with the United States,” Magwenya added, indicating Ramaphosa’s intention to intensify engagements with various levels of the US government.
The backdrop of Rasool's expulsion includes the broader context of issues such as South Africa’s Expropriation Act and ongoing legal actions against Israel. While these matters remain sensitive, the absence of an ambassador does not signal a halt in engagements. Magwenya insisted that diplomatic channels remain open despite current tensions.
An additional complication arose when the Johannesburg City Council proposed renaming Sandton Drive in honor of Palestinian activist Leila Khaled. This suggestion has sparked concerns that it could further alienate the US, with the State Department warning that such an action may lead to the closure of its consulate in Johannesburg, which is located on that very street.
In addressing the potential street renaming, Magwenya expressed caution. “The renaming of streets remains one of our democratic society's redress of the past injustices of colonialism and apartheid,” he said, while also acknowledging the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the issue. Ramaphosa has urged officials to handle the matter with care to avoid exacerbating the current diplomatic crisis.
The African National Congress (ANC) is set to hold a welcome rally for Rasool in Cape Town this coming Sunday, but the presidency has conveyed its concerns regarding this celebration. “We are urging some kind of restraint, recognizing the prevailing conditions,” Magwenya said, indicating a desire to mitigate any inflammatory remarks that could arise during the event.
Furthermore, the political landscape within South Africa is witnessing calls for a review of its foreign policy. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has asserted that the ANC, now part of a coalition government, should consult more broadly on international issues given its diminished majority. This suggestion highlights the complexity of South Africa's domestic political dynamics and its implications on foreign policy decisions.
Ramaphosa’s administration described the strained US-South Africa relations as a “hiccup” while outlining steps to engage diplomatically with the US moving forward. Magwenya outlined four key actions that Ramaphosa intends to take to navigate the situation: maintaining restraint regarding Rasool's homecoming, addressing the street renaming issue, postponing any delegations to the US until trust is restored, and correcting inaccuracies in the US narratives about South Africa.
These corrective measures are not only aimed at smoothing over relations with Washington but also at outlining a clear narrative about South Africa’s domestic policies, especially regarding land reform. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson clarified that no expropriations without compensation have taken place in the last decade, underscoring the government's commitment to factual transparency in its international dealings.
Ultimately, while Ramaphosa aims to restore a productive dialogue with the US, he faces the challenge of balancing domestic political pressures and international expectations. South Africa values its historical partnerships globally, including with countries like Iran, which have come under US scrutiny. Magwenya assured that South Africa would not sever ties with nations that the US views unfavorably, emphasizing that long-standing relationships should not be easily discarded.
As the diplomatic landscape continues to shift, Ramaphosa is poised to articulate a path that preserves South Africa's interests while deftly managing its international relationships with key players like the US. The upcoming weeks will be critical as the country navigates these complex challenges and strives for a more harmonious diplomatic future.
