Ebrahim Rasool, the expelled South African ambassador to the U.S., returned home on March 23, 2025, receiving a warm welcome from supporters. He expressed no regrets over his critical remarks about President Trump that led to his expulsion. Rasool emphasized a need for diplomacy grounded in Ubuntu, while hoping for improved South African-U.S. relations.
On March 23, 2025, Ebrahim Rasool, the expelled South African ambassador to the United States, returned home to a jubilant reception at Cape Town International Airport. Rasool, who traveled 32 hours from the U.S. via Qatar with his wife, Rosieda, expressed that he had no regrets regarding his controversial remarks that led to his expulsion.
Earlier this month, the U.S. government declared him “persona non grata” after he criticized President Donald Trump during a webinar hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. Upon his arrival, Rasool informed around 300 supporters that the label he received aimed to humiliate him but instead became a source of pride.
Rasool articulated that being welcomed by the community was a testament to the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes collective dignity and connection. He stated, “I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity… as a badge that we have done the right thing,” showcasing his pride in standing by his beliefs.
He also proposed that South Africa needed to navigate international relations with what he termed the “diplomacy of Ubuntu,” a style that emphasizes honest yet gentle communication and engagement. He criticized traditional diplomatic practices of deception, asserting that truthfulness should prevail, especially in discussions about injustices.
Looking forward, Rasool expressed hope that President Cyril Ramaphosa would engage someone trustworthy to restore relations with the United States, without compromising South African values. Furthermore, he believed that the attention his comments garnered from officials like Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signified an effective diplomatic outreach.
Rasool’s expulsion was publicly announced by Rubio, who labeled him a “race-baiting politician who hates America and its president,” thus giving Rasool 72 hours to vacate the U.S. He is expected to submit a detailed report back to President Ramaphosa, who has referred to the incident as a minor hurdle in South Africa’s ongoing relationship with Washington.
Ebrahim Rasool’s return to South Africa was marked by a significant public display of support, highlighting the impact of his contentious remarks in the U.S. Despite being expelled, Rasool remains proud of his actions and advocates for a diplomatic approach rooted in the principles of Ubuntu. The incident underscores ongoing complexities in South African-American relations, with Rasool urging for dignity and truthfulness in future diplomatic engagements.
Original Source: english.news.cn
