Opposition parties across South Africa’s political spectrum have called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resist “bullying” from the United States following Washington’s abrupt expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. The diplomat was declared persona non grata and given just 72 hours to leave American territory after State Secretary Marco Rubio described him as a “race-baiting politician who hates America.”
The diplomatic crisis marks a new low in deteriorating bilateral relations since President Donald Trump’s administration took office. While South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola advocated measured diplomacy, stating “it is not helpful to engage in Twitter diplomacy” and calling for face-to-face discussions, opposition voices struck a more defiant tone.
The Economic Freedom Fighters party issued a particularly scathing statement urging Ramaphosa “to not allow the country to be bullied by the orange clown occupying the White House.” Similarly, the Pan Africanist Congress condemned the American decision as an attack on South African sovereignty and an attempt to dictate domestic policy.
“South Africa is not a puppet of the US; we have the right to govern our country without any interference,” emphasized PAC Secretary General Apa Pooe.
Trump has repeatedly criticized South Africa’s controversial land redistribution legislation, which permits government expropriation without compensation under certain circumstances. Last month, his administration cut aid to South Africa, alleging discrimination against the white Afrikaner minority—claims South African authorities categorically deny.
Rasool, who previously served as ambassador during Barack Obama’s presidency from 2010 to 2015, was reappointed in 2024 specifically for his Washington expertise and extensive network. However, the Democratic Alliance, a coalition partner in South Africa’s government of national unity, has questioned why diplomatic appointments remain controlled by the African National Congress despite its diminished electoral standing.
“It is simply not right that the ANC has carte blanche on foreign policy while they are only a 39% party,” argued DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp, advocating broader coalition representation in diplomatic efforts.