Ebrahim Rasool returned to South Africa after his expulsion as ambassador to the U.S., expressing no regrets. Labeled ‘persona non grata’ for criticizing President Trump, he interpreted this as a badge of honor and emphasized the importance of Ubuntu diplomacy. Rasool hopes for a representative who can restore relations with the U.S. while preserving South African dignity.
Ebrahim Rasool, the recently expelled South African ambassador to the United States, returned to Cape Town on March 24, 2025, expressing that he has no regrets about his expulsion. Traveling with his wife, Rosieda, Rasool was welcomed at Cape Town International Airport by hundreds of supporters after a lengthy journey from the U.S. via Qatar.
Previously, Rasool had been labeled “persona non grata” by U.S. authorities due to his critical remarks about President Donald Trump during a webinar hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. Upon his arrival, he stated that while the label was meant to humiliate him, the warm reception he received instead transformed this designation into a “badge of honour.”
Rasool reflected on the meaning of Ubuntu, an African philosophy that emphasizes community. He stated, “When you return to a crowd like this, feeling the warmth and sense of Ubuntu, then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity… as a sign that we have done the right thing.”
He highlighted his belief that South Africa has shifted towards a “diplomacy of Ubuntu,” which he describes as the art of truth-telling done gently. “The diplomacy of Ubuntu is not the art of lying for your country. It is the art of speaking the truth but gently,” he explained, emphasizing intellectual engagement in diplomatic practices.
Rasool expressed optimism that President Cyril Ramaphosa would appoint a capable representative to restore U.S. relations without sacrificing South African values. He remarked, “We must fight for it, but we must keep our dignity.”
In response to inquiries regarding the failure of diplomatic efforts, Rasool argued that the strong reactions from Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to his criticisms demonstrated that his message was impactful. “They were stunned by our characterization and were not happy, so the diplomacy of Ubuntu has certainly worked,” he noted, underscoring that this engagement reflected South African values.
The announcement of Rasool’s expulsion was made by Rubio, who denounced him as a “race-baiting politician who hates America and its president.” Following this, Rasool had 72 hours to leave the U.S. and was deemed unsuitable for future diplomatic positions.
Rasool is set to prepare a detailed report on his experience for President Ramaphosa, who reaffirmed that South Africa is dedicated to maintaining ties with Washington, viewing the expulsion as a minor setback in diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, Ebrahim Rasool’s return to South Africa reflects his steadfast stance in the face of adversity, viewing his expulsion as a significant yet honorable event. His emphasis on Ubuntu diplomacy illustrates a commitment to truth and dignity in international relations. Despite the challenges posed by his expulsion, Rasool’s experiences are expected to inform future diplomatic strategies aimed at maintaining strong ties with the United States without compromising national values.
Original Source: www.dimsumdaily.hk
