Cape Town — Opposition parties and members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) have weighed in on the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the USA Ebrahim Rasool.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Rasool was expelled and was accused of being a “race-baiting politician” who hates America. This comes after Rasool commented that Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement was a supremacist assault on US politics.
Following Rasool’s expulsion, many political parties have offered their perspective on the situation.
Freedom Front Plus (FF+)
The party said the African National Congress (ANC) did not understand the gravity of the situation concerning the country’s foreign relations with America and said it was a consequence of the party’s anti-American actions.
“The ANC unilaterally appropriated South Africa’s international relations and ties with America as its exclusive domain, despite being part of a Government of National Unity. This has to be revisited,” it said.
The party said Rasool’s appointment as US Ambassador and not a professional diplomat was a result of cadre deployment.
America clearly drew a line in the sand when it unceremoniously kicked South Africa’s ambassador in America, Ebrahim Rasool, out of the country. @MulderCorn https://t.co/bjpOMgoNZj
— VRYHEIDSFRONT PLUS (@VFPlus) March 15, 2025
Democratic Alliance (DA)
The DA’s Emma Powell said Rasool’s comments toward Trump were unwise and created gaps in the efforts to stabilise relations between South Africa and the US.
“We would concur with the Presidency that this action is unfortunate and the United States is free and must act in their own national and security interests,” she said.
Powell said it was expected that the US would take acton against Rasool and said it was troubling as the two countries attempt to mend realtions with each other.
“We see this as very troubling in light of the urgent need for South Africa to map a pathway with the United States towards de-escalation and stabilisation of our bilateral relationship with the US,” she added.
WATCH BELOW:
DA MP Emma Powell says SA Ambassador to the USA, Ebrahim Rasool’s comments were unwise, and his expulsion has created more gaps in the urgent effort to stabilise relations between South Africa and the USA. #Newzroom405
Watch: https://t.co/J1PLARqdjb pic.twitter.com/ZraoqMptRy
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 15, 2025
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
The EFF noted the decision to expel Rasool and said the Donald Trump administration went on a rampage against South Africa.
“The EFF agrees with the characterisation given by Ambassador Rasool that the American president is the grand wizard of a global ku klux klan dressed up as Make America Great Again (MAGA),” the party said.
The party said it was the US’ objective to put pressure on South Africa and not implement Acts such as the Expropriation Bill, the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Basic Education laws Amendment (BELA) Act.
SEE BELOW:
EFF Statement On The Expulsion Of The South African Ambassador To The USA.
We note that the U.S is in the process of appointing a new ambassador to South Africa and among the contenders is a white supremacist, race baiter known as Joel Pollak a former speech writer for leader… pic.twitter.com/r9B5BUsEVy
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 15, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
