The Presidency says it has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Ebrahim Rasool.
In a terse statement issued early on Saturday, (15 March 2025), the Presidency urged, “all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter”.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America”.
US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio Says SA Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool Is ‘Not Welcome’
In a post on X Rubio all but expelled South Africa’s Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool saying: “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.
“Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS
Copyright: GALLO IMAGES
“We have nothing to discuss with and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
It appears Rubio was upset over comments the ambassador reportedly made in Johannesburg that were critical of the Trump administration.
However, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has refused to be drawn into a public spate.
Department spokesperson Chris Phiri said on X: “We have noted the tweet by the US Secretary of State Mr Marco Rubio. We will engage through the diplomatic channel”.
Last month, US President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order cancelling aid to South Africa for “doing very bad things”.
Trump has taken umbrage with South Africa’s Expropriation Act and has even offered white people refugee status in the US.
Speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, (11 March 2025), President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “South Africa maintains its active engagement with the United States through political, diplomatic and economic channels.
“We have taken note of an Executive Order and recent statements by the current US administration about South Africa and aspects of our domestic and foreign policy.
“We have expressed concern about the mischaracterisation of the situation in South Africa, and certain [parts] of our laws and our foreign policy positions.”
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