The South African government has expressed regret over the U.S. decision to expel its ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, calling for diplomatic decorum in handling the matter.
In a statement posted on X, the presidency reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with the United States despite the incident.
The expulsion was announced on Friday by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared that Rasool was “no longer welcome” in the country. Rubio accused the ambassador of being a “race-baiting politician” critical of President Donald Trump.
The move followed a recent webinar in which Rasool discussed demographic shifts in the U.S. and the Trump administration’s policies.
The rare diplomatic action comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria, fueled by disagreements over South Africa’s controversial land reform policies. Trump has previously accused the South African government of discriminating against the country’s white minority, a claim that Pretoria has strongly denied.
South Africa has defended its land reform efforts, arguing that they are necessary to correct historical injustices stemming from the apartheid era. Officials have dismissed claims of racial targeting, emphasizing that the policy is aimed at equitable land redistribution and economic redress.
The diplomatic fallout between the two nations adds to existing friction on global issues, with South Africa’s foreign policy decisions—such as its stance on Palestine and relations with Russia—having previously drawn criticism from Washington. The latest dispute threatens to strain economic and political ties between the longtime allies.
While the U.S. has not elaborated on further diplomatic consequences, Pretoria has urged restraint and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue. Analysts suggest that this move could impact trade relations and South Africa’s position in international forums where it often seeks to balance Western and Global South interests.
Despite the expulsion, South Africa has reiterated its commitment to upholding diplomatic norms and fostering constructive engagement with the U.S. It remains unclear whether Rasool’s removal will lead to broader diplomatic repercussions or whether both sides will seek to de-escalate tensions in the coming weeks.
