South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will not be rushed into appointing a new ambassador to the United States following the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool, despite lobbying from various stakeholders, presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed on Thursday.
Magwenya emphasized that diplomatic engagements with Washington would continue even in Rasool’s absence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally expelled Rasool over his views on the Donald Trump administration. Despite this, Pretoria remains committed to dialogue with the US government.
Ramaphosa has reportedly been inundated with messages from individuals volunteering for the position or suggesting potential candidates. Among those being considered is Deputy Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Andries Nel, according to recent reports.
“The president is going to take his time. The absence of an ambassador in Washington does not mean we cannot engage with the Trump administration. The US itself has not yet appointed an ambassador to South Africa, yet diplomatic engagements continue at various government levels,” Magwenya stated.
He reiterated that appointing a new ambassador is not a process Ramaphosa wants to rush, as he will carefully assess the prevailing conditions and the long-term diplomatic landscape. The South African government remains hopeful for improved relations with the Trump administration in the future.
Magwenya also noted that Ramaphosa has yet to receive information on former US ambassador Reuben Brigety’s successor. The US government is under no obligation to formally communicate its selection process to Pretoria.
Meanwhile, the ANC is planning a rally in Cape Town to welcome Rasool back. However, Ramaphosa is expected to caution the party about maintaining decorum during the event to avoid further inflaming tensions surrounding Rasool’s expulsion.
Ramaphosa has requested a report from Rasool detailing his tenure in the US and the circumstances leading to his expulsion.
On the international front, Ramaphosa will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 24. The meeting will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing potential peace negotiations. Magwenya highlighted areas of alignment between Pretoria and Washington regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting that South Africa agrees with the need to expedite a peace process.
South Africa, he concluded, is not adopting a confrontational stance against the US but rather maintaining a position of mutual respect and diplomacy.
