The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to either dispatch diplomatic envoys or appoint a chargé d’affaires while he deliberates on who will replace Ebrahim Rasool as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States.
Rasool was recently expelled from the US following controversial comments he made during a webinar hosted by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra).
His departure has sparked speculation over potential replacements, with former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon and former ANC Member of Parliament Lindiwe Sisulu being informally put forward.
Leon’s name was suggested by DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille, while the Activists and Citizens Forum, through spokesperson Dennis Bloem, nominated Sisulu.
Cosatu’s Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks, warned against public speculation over candidates, saying the selection process should remain discreet and involve careful vetting by both the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco).
He noted that public campaigning for the position could complicate the process, as the host country must also approve any proposed ambassador in advance.
According to Parks, while the position remains vacant, the president could appoint a chargé d’affaires to manage the embassy’s operations.
Though not holding the ambassadorial title, a chargé d’affaires has the necessary access to perform the role’s essential duties.
He emphasised that interim representation would allow diplomatic relations to continue smoothly while discussions with the US are reopened.
International relations analyst Siseko Maposa suggested that the DA may try to push for involvement in the appointment process through the Government of National Unity (GNU), although this would defy constitutional precedent.
He believes the high-stakes nature of the role requires the president to weigh various factors, including diplomatic credentials and political alignment before making a final decision.
Political economy expert Professor Isaac Khambule from the University of Johannesburg pointed out that Leon’s nomination is unlikely to gain traction within the ANC.
He noted concerns that Leon might use the position to promote his party’s interests rather than South Africa’s foreign policy agenda.
Khambule also remarked on how quickly South Africa’s relationship with the US can shift, stressing the importance of maintaining diplomatic protocols.
Neither the Presidency nor Dirco has provided official comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, Rasool confirmed that he is in the process of compiling a report for the president on the events leading up to his expulsion.
While he did not give a specific timeline, he said the report, which was initiated last week, would be finalised soon.
Parks explained that Rasool’s report is expected to cover the nature of his diplomatic engagements, successes, and challenges during his tenure, as well as offer reflections and recommendations on the way forward.
This incident is unprecedented in South Africa’s democratic era, with no ambassador having previously been expelled.
Maposa added that the report will likely serve as Rasool’s formal account of events and is expected to defend his criticisms of the US government while reinforcing his position.
Rasool has not responded to further requests for comment.
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