Johannesburg – Frosty relations between the Trump Administration and South Africa took a turn for the worse after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised South Africa’s ambassador to that country.
In a post on X Rubio all but expelled South Africa’s Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool saying: “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.
“Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates @POTUS
“We have nothing to discuss with and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
It appears Rubio was upset over comments the ambassador reportedly made in Johannesburg that were critical of the Trump administration.
However, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has refused to be drawn into a public spate.
Department spokesperson Chris Phiri said on X: “We have noted the tweet by the US Secretary of State Mr Marco Rubio. We will engage through the diplomatic channel”.
Last month, US President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order cancelling aid to South Africa for “doing very bad things”.
Trump has taken umbrage with South Africa’s Expropriation Act and has even offered white people refugee status in the US.
Speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, (11 March 2025), President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “South Africa maintains its active engagement with the United States through political, diplomatic and economic channels.
“We have taken note of an Executive Order and recent statements by the current US administration about South Africa and aspects of our domestic and foreign policy.
“We have expressed concern about the mischaracterisation of the situation in South Africa, and certain [parts] of our laws and our foreign policy positions.”
