Ebrahim Rasool, expelled as South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., returned home without regrets, valuing the support he received. He interprets his expulsion as a badge of honour tied to the African philosophy of Ubuntu. Rasool advocates for a new ambassador to mend U.S. relations while holding to South African values and sees the attention gained as validation of his message.
Ebrahim Rasool, the recently expelled South African ambassador to the United States, returned to South Africa on March 24, 2025, stating he does so “with no regrets.” Accompanied by his wife, Rosieda, Rasool arrived at Cape Town International Airport following a lengthy 32-hour journey and received a warm reception from hundreds of supporters.
Earlier this month, U.S. authorities branded Rasool as “persona non grata” following his critical remarks about President Donald Trump during a webinar hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. While addressing around 300 supporters at the airport, he recognized that this designation was meant to humiliate him, but he turned this stigma into a “badge of honour” due to the overwhelming support he received.
Rasool articulated that the warmth felt at his homecoming embodied the essence of Ubuntu, an important African philosophy. He conveyed, “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.” He expressed his contentment in being in a place where such values are celebrated.
He noted that, despite traditional diplomatic negotiations, South Africa resorted to what he described as the “diplomacy of Ubuntu.” This approach emphasizes truthful yet gentle communication and engagement with hosts for a better understanding. Rasool stated, “The diplomacy of Ubuntu is intellectual engagement and persuasion with your host about a better way.”
Looking ahead, Rasool expressed hope that President Cyril Ramaphosa would appoint a capable ambassador who can mend relations with the U.S. while upholding South African values, saying, “We must fight for it, but we must keep our dignity.”
Addressing perceptions of failure in diplomatic efforts, Rasool highlighted the strong reaction from U.S. officials as evidence that his message reached significant audiences within the U.S. government, stating, “They were stunned by our characterization and were not happy.” He underscored that this success demonstrates the strengths of South African society’s values.
The public announcement of Rasool’s expulsion was made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticized him as a “race-baiting politician who hates America and its president.” Following this declaration, Rasool was mandated to leave the United States within 72 hours and was deemed ineligible for future diplomatic positions in Washington. Rasool intends to report the incident to President Ramaphosa, who views the expulsion as a minor setback in South Africa’s bilateral relations with Washington.
Ebrahim Rasool’s return to South Africa marks a significant moment following his expulsion as the ambassador to the United States. His reflections on Ubuntu and the challenges of diplomacy highlight the complexities of international relations. Rasool maintains that his actions were justified, advocating for a diplomatic approach rooted in integrity and respect for national values. The future of South Africa’s relations with the U.S. hinges on effective leadership and the commitment to uphold dignity amidst adversity.
Original Source: www.dimsumdaily.hk
