Analysis: South Africa-US relations at crossroads following Ambassador's expulsion
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In the wake of the expulsion of South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, political experts have said that the US expulsion of SA Ambassador signals a diplomatic shift where South Africa must navigate a challenging political landscape.
Rasool's expulsion on Friday has raised eyebrows across the diplomatic community, signalling a significant shift in the dynamics between South Africa and the US.
Political Expert Sanusha Naidu said that this incident reflects a broader trend of irrationality in U.S. foreign policy.
Naidu stated that "for the first time, we see South Africa is dealing with an “irrational White House and leadership” that seems to disregard the established norms of diplomacy.
Naidu emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum and maturity in South Africa's diplomatic approach.
"It is crucial for South Africa to remain a diplomatic actor and to manage its responses thoughtfully. We shouldn’t allow this kind of treatment to dictate our actions," she asserted.
Her comments highlight the need for a strategic and measured response from the South African government, especially during these tumultuous times when the US is accusing the country of killing white people, an allegation dismissed by
She believed that repairing relations with the US will require effort from both sides.
"It takes both sides to repair the relationship. The South African government must think critically and strategically about how to navigate this situation without resorting to aggressive posturing."
Naidu commended the South African presidency’s decision to refrain from making immediate media statements or engaging in interviews following the expulsion, sends a strong message.
"This approach reflects a sovereign stance, it offers the opportunity for the South African government to respond maturely, allowing for reflection and strategic thinking moving forward."
According to Naidu, the US is losing ground both on the international stage and weakening global affairs, which prompted the current US administration to react aggressively to countries such as South Afric, which has differed with the US foreign policy.
“I think at the end of the day this is not for us to use the parapet to do megaphone diplomacy but to be much more strategic in the way we go forward,” she explained.
Dr Reneva Fourie, a policy analyst specialising in governance, development, and security, has described the expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by the United States as a "diplomatic setback, not a break."
She argued that while the incident has raised concerns about the future of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Fourie emphasised that it does not signal a complete severing of ties.
“The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the USA,” she stated.
She stated that despite current tensions, the United States remains a key trading partner for South Africa—albeit one with considerable risks.
Fourie provided context on Ambassador Rasool’s expulsion by linking it to remarks he made during a seminar hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA).
As an attendee, she described Rasool’s contributions as an objective assessment of the US political landscape.
“His comments were misrepresented, making South Africa a target rather than him as an individual,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the South African government said on Saturday that the US decision to expel Rasool was regrettable, signalling the ongoing strained relations between the two nations.
thabo.makwakwa@iol.co.za
IOL
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