The man with one of the hardest jobs in South Africa right now

 ·15 Jan 2025

Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s envoy to the United States, says the country is on the “back foot” regarding its relationship with the States, admitting there have been “setbacks” in dealing with the world’s biggest economy.

However, he is adamant that, while repairing relations will be tough going, South Africa won’t be begging for anything, and he is looking to deal on the basis of mutual respect.

Speaking to SABC News, Rasool candidly described his posting as “probably one of the most difficult assignments that I’ve had to accept on behalf of South Africa.”

Rasool presented his credentials to outgoing US President Joe Biden this week, marking the start of his mission to rebuild trust and address concerns stemming from South Africa’s foreign policy stances.

“The mandate is that we have to reset and rebuild our relationships with the United States. It’s an admission that we have had setbacks,” Rasool explained.

At the heart of the diplomatic strain are South Africa’s close ties with Russia and China, its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over accusations of genocide in Gaza, and its refusal to condemn Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Various heavy-hitting lawmakers, particularly Republicans, have strongly disapproved of these stances.

Many are pressing incoming president Donald Trump for a complete review of relations and for South Africa’s removal from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Senator Jim Risch of Idaho told Fox News he is concerned about South Africa’s efforts to cosy up to Russia, China, and Iran. He says this goes against the AGOA eligibility requirement.

To be part of AGOA, a country cannot “act in a manner that undermines U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.”

AGOA is a preferential trade agreement that provides duty-free access to the US market for almost all products exported from more than 40 eligible sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa.

This is incredibly lucrative as it provides ideal access to the world’s largest economy, and the loss in benefits could lead to a decline in foreign direct investment and ultimately economic growth.

Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool

Rasool acknowledged that South Africa has “earned the eye of quite a few in Congress and the Senate” over its foreign policy positions, including its stance on Russia and its pursuit of genocide accusations against Israel at the ICJ.

He argues that South Africa needs to better explain its relationships with various countries, including Russia, China, and Iran.

“People need to understand that the relationship they perceive to be close to Russia is not such. We are members of BRICS… Russia contributes less than 2% to our trade and therefore is not a major interest to us,” he said.

He stresses that South Africa distinguishes between its participation in economic blocs like BRICS, which includes China, and its promotion of democratic values and human rights.

South Africa’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly its pursuit of genocide accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice, has admittingly also fueled tensions between the Republic and Uncle Sam.

While defending South Africa’s position, Rasool acknowledged the sensitivity, stating, “It certainly is an issue in our relationship, but I do believe that South Africa has made the case.”

Looking at Ukraine, Rasool said that South Africa’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is one of “mediation and conflict resolution.”

He pointed to forging a relationship with the US around a shared desire to end global conflicts.

“What I think is happening is, surprisingly from different angles, a surprising convergence between South Africa’s desire to end wars and conflict and the Trump administration’s desire to end wars and conflicts”.

In these regards, Rasool believes opportunities exist to find common ground and foster a mutually beneficial partnership.

Rasool also highlighted South Africa’s potential to contribute to the US economy, particularly through its access to critical minerals vital for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“We need to open up a language not only of one-way transactionalism but of mutuality and reciprocity. And I think that what South Africa and Africa have to offer the United States is more direct access to critical minerals that fuel the new economy”.

Going forward

With all that said, Rasool said that South Africa seeks a partnership based on mutual respect and shared benefits.

South Africa comes here on the back foot, but not with cap in hand. …We are coming here to make a deal, not to beg,” said the South African ambassador to the US.

Overall, Rasool admits that the mission to mend fences and rebuild the South Africa-US relationship faces numerous obstacles.

He says its success hinges on effectively communicating South Africa’s positions, addressing US concerns, and identifying areas of mutual interest.

The stakes are high, with implications for trade, economic cooperation, and both countries’ standing on the global stage.


Read: South Africa sitting on a ‘gold mine’ for jobs and economic growth

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