South Africa finds itself embroiled in a diplomatic conflict with the United States, following a series of contentious actions and statements. The row began when former US President Donald Trump cut aid to South Africa and declared Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool an unwelcome person after US State Secretary Marco Rubio labeled him a "race-baiting politician who hates America". This sparked significant backlash from political parties in South Africa, including Julius Malema's opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who issued a severe statement against the US.
The EFF called on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to stand firm, urging him "to not allow the country to be bullied by the orange clown occupying the White House". Meanwhile, Rasool, reappointed as ambassador in 2024 due to his previous experience and extensive network in Washington, has encountered difficulties in arranging meetings with Trump. He stated, "SA is not a puppet of the US, we have the right to govern our country without any interference".
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also weighed in, questioning why the African National Congress (ANC) continued to monopolize foreign diplomat appointments. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp expressed concerns over the ANC's dominant role, stating, "It is simply just not right that the ANC has got carte blanche on foreign policy and the appointments of diplomats while they are only a 39% party." Aucamp further called for members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to visit Washington to defuse tensions.
Adding to the controversy, PAC Secretary General Apa Pooe condemned the US decision, describing it as an attack on South Africa's sovereignty and an attempt to dictate policy in the country. South Africa has denied allegations of discrimination against the white Afrikaner minority, a point of contention highlighted by Rasool.
The backdrop of this diplomatic dispute involves Trump's vocal criticism of South Africa's land law, allowing government land confiscation without compensation under certain conditions. Rasool previously served as US ambassador from 2010 to 2015 during Barack Obama's presidency, a period marked by different diplomatic dynamics.
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