The U.S. State Department has confirmed that South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, has until Friday to leave American soil following his declaration as “persona non grata” last week.
The South African embassy was formally notified by the State Department shortly after, with department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirming that Rasool’s diplomatic privileges and immunities officially expired on Monday.
South African Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri addressed the situation in an interview, confirming that Rasool remains in the U.S. but will be departing soon.
Rubio made the announcement via a post on X while en route back to the United States from a Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada. In his statement, he accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” with animosity toward President Donald Trump.
The post also referenced a Breitbart article about a webinar in Johannesburg, where Rasool discussed the Trump administration’s policies in the context of an evolving U.S. demographic shift.
While it is rare for the U.S. to expel a foreign ambassador, lower-ranking diplomats have frequently faced similar designations. This expulsion marks another tense chapter in U.S.-South Africa relations, which have deteriorated under Trump’s leadership.
Just last month, Trump signed an executive order cutting financial assistance to South Africa, criticizing its Black-led government for alleged anti-white policies and for supporting groups like Hamas and Iran.
Ramaphosa Seeks to Ease Tensions
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the diplomatic friction but emphasized that he believes relations can be repaired. “This is a hiccup, a hiccup we are working on straightening out.” He added that Rasool would provide a full report upon his return.
Ramaphosa assured South Africans that the government would formally engage with Washington to restore diplomatic ties, stating, “Our relationship with the United States is going to be put on an even keel, so I would like the people of South Africa not to have sleepless nights.”
The United States Department of State spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, reaffirmed the U.S. stance, stressing that “diplomatic respect” is crucial in maintaining bilateral relations.
“We’ve had a decent level of diplomacy with South Africa. There are some challenges, but you want people in each embassy who can actually facilitate a relationship. And these remarks were unacceptable to the United States, not just to the president, but to every American.”
Tammy Bruce
However, the South African Foreign Ministry has raised concerns over how the expulsion was handled, particularly questioning why Rubio chose to announce the decision on social media before formally notifying Rasool. Phiri criticized the administration’s approach, noting, “It does seem as though Twitter (X) is the preferred mode of communication.”
Despite recent setbacks, Pretoria has signaled its unwavering commitment to diplomatic decorum and constructive engagement.
Also, South Africa has embarked on a concerted effort to mend its frayed relationship with the world’s largest economy. The strain, exacerbated by disagreements over land reform policies, foreign alignments, and controversial rhetoric, has prompted South African leaders to adopt a more conciliatory tone and seek economic avenues for renewed collaboration.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bilateral ties, describing the relationship as historically significant and mutually beneficial.
Mashatile underscored the importance of preserving trade agreements such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has been vital for South Africa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
As such, the diplomatic tensions come at a critical time for South Africa as it navigates its international standing amid broader geopolitical shifts. Whether the country can mend ties with Washington remains to be seen, but for now, its top envoy in the U.S. has just days to depart.
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