South Africa still without ambassador to the US
South Africa is still without an ambassador to the US nearly a year after Ebrahim Rasool's expulsion
Image: Cornell Watson/Bloomberg
Almost 10 months after Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from his role as South Africa's ambassador to the United States, prompted by his outspoken criticism of Donald Trump, the nation remains without a permanent representative in Washington.
This vacancy continues to stir tensions in diplomatic relations, as South Africa grapples with its standing on the global stage.
Alistair Ruiters, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s special advisor for investment promotion, seems to be the frontrunner to fill the ambassadorial void.
His candidacy has garnered significant support from the business community and the Democratic Alliance (DA), both of whom deem him a pragmatic choice for effectively engaging with US markets and politics.
Despite this backing, the nomination process has dragged on for far longer than anticipated.
Other candidates are ANC veteran and former Minister of Defence and Constitutional Development Roelf Meyer, Marthinus van Schalkwyk (former leader of the National Party who later joined the ANC and served as Minister of Tourism), Andries Nel (the current Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development), Gerhardus Koornhof (President’s parliamentary counsellor), Trevor Manuel (former Finance Minister) and Tony Leon, who is a former DA leader and former Ambassador to Argentina.
Rasool was declared persona non grata by the US after he accused Trump's administration of "mobilising supremacism" during a virtual seminar.
This sharp remark effectively severed diplomatic ties, leading to his unexpected termination. In an effort to manage bilateral relations while the position remains unfilled, Ramaphosa appointed former Deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the US in April.
However, the US government subsequently denied Jonas a diplomatic visa, a rejection underpinned by his previous critical remarks about Trump, labelling him as a “racist” and “narcissistic right-winger”.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) on Tuesday would not divulge what stage, the process to replace Rasool, had reached.
The delay in appointing a new ambassador is compounded by ongoing issues like the recent imposition of a 30% tariff on South African goods by the US, which has been cited as a global phenomenon rather than a direct consequence of the vacant ambassadorial position.
Furthermore, tensions have flared regarding South Africa's foreign policy stance on Venezuela following military operations by the US against President Nicolás Maduro, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
Asked how far the process is, Lamola’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, said questions should be sent to the Presidency. However, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, did not respond at the time of publication.
The appointment of Leo Brent Bozell III as the new US ambassador to South Africa, confirmed by the US Senate, only adds to the urgency of filling the South African post.
Observers within South Africa are voicing concerns over the potential politicisation of the ambassadorial position, suggesting that candidates may be selected to appease specific political interests, particularly in relation to the US and Israel.
International relations expert, Professor Kgothatso Shai, suggests that the escalation of tensions between South Africa and the US could be a key reason behind the prolonged delay. A new ambassador will have to present their credentials to a US administration already viewing South Africa with suspicion.
“The current timing is not conducive for mending relations,” Shai noted, highlighting the complexities surrounding the appointment.
Political analyst Sandile Swana said there are no imminent prospects for a meaningful diplomatic relationship between South Africa and the US until the case at the ICJ is finished, and until South Africa separates itself from Iran, China and Russia.
“Instead of doing that, I am told that South Africa (is planning) public military exercises with the three countries. So, no progress can be made in improving the relationship between South Africa and the US."