EFF URGES RAMAPHOSA TO STAND FIRM AGAINST US PRESSURE AFTER AMBASSADOR’S EXPULSION

Mon 17 March 2025:

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa not to be intimidated by the White House following the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool.

The party condemned the US decision to declare Rasool persona non grata, calling it an attack on South Africa’s sovereignty.

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced Rasool’s expulsion on social media, branding him a “race baiter” and asserting that he was no longer welcome in the country.

“South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. We have nothing to discuss with him, so he is considered persona non grata,” said Rubio in a post on X.

The decision by the US Secretary of State comes just weeks after the Trump administration launched a campaign to spread misinformation about South Africa while also pressuring the government to reverse domestic policies that have already been signed into law.

As such, the EFF attributed the move to a broader effort by the Trump administration to interfere in South African domestic affairs.

According to the party, US officials, influenced by right-wing South African groups such as AfriForum and Solidarity, have been pressuring the South African government to reverse policies like the Expropriation Bill, National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, and Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA).

“The only reason these racist organizations do not want these Bills to be implemented is their fear of being equal to the majority of the population of the country. They hate and fear equality.”

“It is therefore not surprising to see the resurgence of right-wing groups in South Africa emboldened by their newfound master and saviour of the white race, hence the endless trips to America to pursue the failed dreams of a white volkstaat at the southern tip of Africa.”

The party also referenced past diplomatic tensions, particularly claims made in 2022 by former US Ambassador Reuben Brigety. Brigety alleged that South Africa had supplied arms to Russia, a claim later discredited.

Despite the damaging accusations, “South Africa did not react by expelling the lying US ambassador instead we continued to have diplomatic relations with the USA.”

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https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

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Government’s Response to the Ambassador’s Expulsion

Despite the EFF’s strong stance, The Presidency responded with a more measured approach. In a statement, it acknowledged Rasool’s expulsion as “regrettable” and urged all stakeholders to uphold diplomatic decorum when addressing the issue.

“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” said the President.

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here