The former South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, stated on Sunday that he came back home without any remorse.
After a 32-hour trip from the United States through Qatar, Rasool and his spouse, Rosieda, landed at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday morning. They were greeted warmly by several hundred supporters upon their arrival.
Earlier this month, Rasool was deemed “undesirable” by the United States after making critical comments about President Donald Trump during an online event organized by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, a South African research organization.
Speaking to approximately 300 supporters at the airport, Rasool said that although he was intended to be embarrassed by being called a persona non grata, the enthusiastic welcome transformed this label into an emblem of pride for him.
“When you come back to a community filled with such warmth and an understanding of Ubuntu (the African concept of ‘I exist through others’), then I’ll embrace being unwelcome as a sign of honor… as proof that we’ve made the correct choice,” Rasool stated, conveying his joy at returning to a place “where Ubuntu holds great value.”
Rasool mentioned that even though efforts were made towards traditional diplomacy, South Africa eventually had to adopt what he referred to as the “Ubuntu-style diplomacy.”
“The diplomacy of Ubuntu does not involve deceiving others for your nation’s sake. Instead, it entails telling the truth with kindness. Ubuntu’s diplomacy doesn’t consist of mere flattery towards your hosts nor ignoring what is incorrect. Rather, it involves thoughtful interaction and convincing your host of a superior approach,” he stated.
Rasool wished that President Cyril Ramaphosa could locate an individual competent enough to repair relations with the United States without compromising South Africa’s principles. “We have to strive for this, yet we should maintain our dignity,” he stated.
In response to queries about the failure of diplomatic efforts, he stated that drawing the notice of both President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led to their declaration of him as persona non grata, indicating that his statement had made an impact at the pinnacle of the United States’ governmental hierarchy.
“They were shocked by our description, and they weren’t pleased about it. Therefore, the diplomatic approach of Ubuntu has clearly been effective since we demonstrated the principles of our community,” Rasool stated.
Rubio declared Rasool’s dismissal via social media, characterizing him as a “politician adept at stirring racial tensions, one who harbors hatred towards both America and its leader.” A deadline of 72 hours was set for Rasool to vacate the United States, and he was labeled “persona non grata,” prohibiting his future representation of South Africa in Washington.
Rasool is anticipated to furnish an extensive report on the issue to Ramaphosa. Last Monday, he reaffirmed that South Africa remains dedicated to interacting with Washington, characterizing the expulsion as a slight obstacle in their diplomatic ties.
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