South Africa faces diplomatic setback amid foreign policy criticism

Tuesday 18 March 2025 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

South Africa faces diplomatic setback amid foreign policy criticism

In a significant diplomatic setback for South Africa, the expulsion of its ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, has ignited intense debate over the failures of the foreign policy pursued by the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party since 1994.

Experts have critically analyzed this diplomatic incident, emphasizing its broader implications for South Africa's standing in international relations.

The South African diplomat was declared persona non grata by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last Friday.

Political analysts view this expulsion as evidence that the ANC's diplomatic strategy is faltering, potentially costing the nation dearly. The historic party has faced severe criticism for what some label as “irresponsible diplomatic maneuvers.”

This latest concern follows a series of actions by the ANC that have escalated tensions with the United States. Previously, former President Donald Trump accused the South African government of targeting white citizens through a land expropriation law, which he described as “unjust racial discrimination” against white Afrikaner farmers.

Trump announced on his platform, Truth Social, that “any South African farmer seeking to escape the country for safety reasons will be welcomed to the United States with a fast track to citizenship.”

The ANC’s response to these accusations has been criticized for its lack of clarity and effectiveness, leading to an inadequate diplomatic approach. Analysts have expressed surprise that amidst current diplomatic tensions, ANC leaders invited Iranian Ambassador Mansour Shakib Mehr to the party headquarters last week.

Kallie Kriel, CEO of the AfriForum organization, has voiced serious concerns regarding the implications of the South African diplomat's expulsion, holding the ANC accountable for what he describes as a “diplomatic blunder that jeopardizes the country’s international relations.”

Kriel warns that the ANC's maneuvers may lead South Africa toward destruction, underscoring the urgent need for a clear shift in the country’s foreign policy direction.

Similarly, political analyst Sandile Swana cautioned that South Africa must prepare for further diplomatic challenges. “The expulsion occurs amid escalating tensions between the two countries,” he stated.

Regarding the implications of Pretoria's foreign policy, the expert argued that the expulsion signals a significant change in diplomatic relations, urging the ANC to acknowledge its foreign policy missteps.

“The ANC's prioritization of partisan interests over national welfare has led to these diplomatic debacles,” he noted.

Moreover, analysts indicate that while immediate economic repercussions may not be apparent, the long-term implications for American businesses operating in South Africa could be considerable.

They warned that the era of unconditional free trade agreements is over; future negotiations will likely require South Africa to make concessions on various issues.

The deterioration of relations could have severe economic consequences, particularly if the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is not renewed.

AGOA plays a crucial role in supporting South African exports to the United States, and its potential loss could significantly impact the country’s commercial sector.

In addition to the substantial electoral setback suffered by the ANC during the general elections on May 29, when it lost its parliamentary majority, the party of Nelson Mandela now faces another political embarrassment that places the nation in a precarious international position.