President Ramaphosa to Take Time in Appointing New U.S. Ambassador
President Ramaphosa to Take Time in Appointing New U.S. Ambassador
LN24 / 54 minutes
March 21, 2025
2 min read
South Africa’s Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa will not rush into appointing a new ambassador to the United States following the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool. According to Magwenya, the president is taking a measured approach to the decision and will carefully consider the appointment before moving forward.
Magwenya also confirmed that several individuals have already expressed interest in the role, with many even volunteering themselves for consideration. However, he emphasized that the appointment would be made with careful consideration, focusing on finding the right person to represent South Africa’s interests in the U.S.
The expulsion of former Ambassador Rasool earlier this year has left the position vacant, adding pressure on the South African government to swiftly fill the diplomatic gap. Rasool’s departure has been surrounded by controversy, with some speculating that it was linked to strained relations between the two countries.
Despite the increased interest in the position, the presidency is ensuring that the selection process remains thorough and that the chosen ambassador aligns with the broader diplomatic goals of the country.
As the search for a new ambassador continues, it remains to be seen who will ultimately be appointed to this critical diplomatic role, which plays a key part in shaping relations between South Africa and the United States.
