Ebrahim Rasool, expelled as South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., returned home expressing no regrets. His expulsion, labeled ‘persona non grata’ due to critical remarks about Trump, transformed into a badge of honor thanks to a warm reception in Cape Town. Rasool emphasized the importance of Ubuntu in diplomacy and hopes for continued engagement with the U.S. without losing dignity.
Ebrahim Rasool, the former South African ambassador to the United States, returned to South Africa on March 24, 2025, expressing that he has “no regrets.” Accompanied by his wife, Rosieda, he touched down at Cape Town International Airport after a lengthy journey from the U.S. via Qatar, where he was greeted warmly by hundreds of supporters.
His expulsion from the U.S. was publicly declared by U.S. authorities earlier this month as he was deemed “persona non grata” following critical comments aimed at President Donald Trump during a webinar. At the airport, Rasool remarked that being designated as such was an attempt to humiliate him but that the warm reception transformed this designation into a “badge of honour.”
Rasool elaborated on the concept of Ubuntu, stating it epitomizes interconnectedness within the community. He expressed pride in returning to a culture that values this principle, indicating he would wear his “persona non grata” status as a mark of dignity, signifying a commitment to morality and truth in diplomacy.
Pleading for a representative who could mend ties with the United States, he emphasized the need to maintain South African dignity. Rasool shared hopes that President Cyril Ramaphosa would appoint someone who would uphold the nation’s values during diplomatic negotiations.
Regarding his diplomatic outreach, Rasool refrained from labeling it a complete failure, explaining that the reaction from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflected that his viewpoint gained significant attention within the U.S. government. He noted, “The diplomacy of Ubuntu has certainly worked because we bore witness to the values of our society.”
In the aftermath of his expulsion, Rasool indicated he would provide a comprehensive report on the situation to President Ramaphosa, who asserts that South Africa’s commitment to engagement with Washington remains steadfast despite the incident being regarded as a minor setback in their diplomatic relations.
Ebrahim Rasool’s return to South Africa signals his steadfast beliefs in diplomacy rooted in Ubuntu, marking his expulsion as a point of pride rather than shame. He articulated that authentic engagement with the U.S. remains vital, and hopes for future representation that can effectively negotiate without compromising South African principles, illustrating the complexities of international diplomacy.
Original Source: www.dimsumdaily.hk
