US-SA Tensions Rise Over Rasool’s Grand Welcome as Unions Defy Ramaphosa
South Africa faces escalating diplomatic strain with the United States as trade unions and political factions prepare to defy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plea for restraint over the controversial return of expelled ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.
Cosatu and SACP Push Forward with Rasool’s Homecoming Rally
Despite President Ramaphosa’s call for calm, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) are moving ahead with plans to welcome Ebrahim Rasool back to South Africa. Rasool is set to arrive on Sunday after being expelled by Washington.
Melvin de Bruyn, Cosatu’s Western Cape provincial secretary, questioned Ramaphosa’s call to tone down celebrations, stating, “What does he mean by reducing the scale of the welcome?” This stance contrasts sharply with the ANC’s Western Cape branch, which has opted to heed the president’s caution.
ANC Western Cape Caught Between Loyalty and Diplomacy
While the ANC in the Western Cape initially supported the homecoming rally, the party eventually aligned with Ramaphosa’s position. However, ANC spokesperson Khaled Sayed emphasized that their participation remains intact, explaining, “We are still attending and supporting the reception, organized by our regional structure.”
This partial retreat reflects the delicate balancing act the ANC faces in maintaining internal unity while avoiding further diplomatic fallout.
Diplomatic Fallout: South Africa Searches for Rasool’s Replacement
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed it has begun the process of identifying a new ambassador to the United States. The final decision lies with President Ramaphosa, who must navigate rising US-SA tensions over Rasool’s grand welcome and the broader implications for South Africa’s foreign policy.
Sandton Drive Renaming Adds Fuel to US-SA Diplomatic Fire
Further complicating matters, the Presidency is in discussions with the City of Johannesburg over the contentious decision to rename Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive. The US Consulate, located on the renamed road, raises further diplomatic sensitivities.
Al Jama-ah councillor Thapelo Amad revealed that the motion received 77,694 public comments in favor and 34,335 against, asserting that reversing the decision would betray the coalition’s collective will.
H4: Experts Warn of Prolonged Diplomatic Strain
Political analysts believe US-SA tensions over Rasool’s grand welcome signal deeper geopolitical shifts. Professor Ahmed Haroon Jazbhay of UNISA described the situation as a “rough four years” under President Trump’s second term, warning that future ambassadors will struggle to satisfy Washington’s “imperialist” expectations.
Meanwhile, Professor Kedibone Phago emphasized the need for South Africa to appoint a replacement capable of balancing national interests with global diplomatic realities. “Our ambassadors must represent our constitutional values and stand firm on our sovereignty,” Phago asserted.
ANC Veterans League Condemns US Pressure
The ANC Veterans League issued a strong statement opposing what they perceive as “right-wing imperialist” pressures from the US. “It is naïve to believe that you can rebuild diplomatic relations with an implacable enemy,” the league declared, urging the ANC to forge alliances against rising reactionary forces.
As the political and diplomatic fallout unfolds, South Africa faces mounting challenges in preserving its sovereign identity while managing complex relations with the United States.
