South Africa’s expelled ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has declared he has “no regrets” after being ordered to leave the US following controversial remarks about the Trump administration.
Rasool, who had served less than two months in his second tenure as ambassador, was declared “persona non grata” by the US State Department and must exit the country by Friday. His diplomatic privileges will officially end on March 17, 2025.
In a message to family and friends, Rasool expressed acceptance of the situation, stating, “We bid farewell to the US with no regrets, it is what it is.”
“No regrets,” says the American hater, and racist. “It is what it is.” No moegoe, you are what you are. pic.twitter.com/68RzF5Ozr2
— My Turn – South Africa (@AliceVLAuthor) March 17, 2025
Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Western Cape has vowed to give Rasool a hero’s welcome upon his return. Cosatu’s provincial secretary, Malvern de Bruyn, emphasized their support, calling Rasool “a child of the soil.”
The union has also called on the South African government to retaliate by expelling the US ambassador.
Rasool’s removal came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused him of expressing hostility toward the US and President Trump.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since addressed the situation, stating he expects a full report from Rasool upon his return.
We have noted the displeasure of the US with regards to remarks made by Ambassador Rasool. Engagements with the US Government are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/tW2ZvE0ABX
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 17, 2025
“Ebrahim Rasool will be coming back soon as the US State Department has ruled he is no longer acceptable in the US. He is going to come back and give me a full report,” Ramaphosa said.
He acknowledged the US government’s concerns regarding Rasool’s statements and confirmed that diplomatic discussions were already underway to manage any fallout.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya reiterated that efforts were being made to maintain the strong diplomatic ties between South Africa and the United States.
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