Former US Ambassador to South Africa, Ebrahim Rasool, has expressed no regrets about his actions that ultimately led to his designation as a persona non grata, a status that forced him to return home. His comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the future of US-South African relations, which he argues must be rebuilt and reset.
Rasool, who was once at the heart of diplomatic relations between the two nations, acknowledged that his tenure did not culminate in a chance to influence affairs at the White House. However, he articulated a sense of triumph in knowing that his message reached the heights of American leadership—a significant achievement, given the complexities of international diplomacy.
“We come here even after being declared persona non grata,” Rasool stated passionately, underscoring the importance of fostering a positive relationship with the United States. “We still come here and say we must rebuild and we must reset the relationship with America because our relationship with America over 50 years has not always been with the White House; it has sometimes been with Congress and it has always been with the people of the United States of America.”
His remarks highlight a prevailing sentiment among South African diplomats and policymakers who recognise that the ties binding the two countries go beyond the political elite. This undercurrent of focusing on mutual interests reflects an understanding that, at its core, the relationship is fundamentally shaped by grassroots engagements and shared values held by the citizens of both nations.
As South Africa seeks to navigate its place on the global stage, Rasool’s call for a recalibration of diplomatic relations with the US serves as a reminder of the longstanding history that underpins this bilateral relationship. Both nations have much to gain from a collaborative future, one that evolves from mutual respect and interaction rather than discord.