Cape Town – The ongoing disagreement between South Africa’s two biggest parties in the government of national unity (GNU), the ANC and DA, has extended to the appointment of a new ambassador to the United States.
Speaking to SABC News on Friday, DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille suggested that President Cyril Ramaphosa consult with GNU parties before selecting a replacement for the expelled ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, proposing former DA leader Tony Leon as a suitable candidate.
“We believe that President Ramaphosa should consult about a proper replacement for ambassador to the United States. It is a crucial position. We know very well that President Trump is looking inward; he wants to make America great again, as he says. He is not interested in countries he sees as undermining US interests,” said Zille.
Zille argued that the US is a key partner for South Africa and emphasised the need for an effective diplomat to maintain relations.
“It doesn’t help South Africa to alienate the United States. Many American companies are invested here; we cannot turn America into an enemy. We have to put an excellent diplomat into that position to build relations with the US. I would choose somebody like Tony Leon. I think he would be excellent. He has been a very good ambassador in Argentina. He has all the skills and is a good intellectual and understand foreign policy.”
However, an ANC leader responded by saying that the appointment of the ambassador is a matter of foreign policy and falls outside the GNU’s scope, insisting it should not be influenced by the DA.
“It can’t be the DA. It can’t be Tony Leon and can’t be what the DA wants. It’s not a GNU matter — it’s a government matter,” Sunday Times quoted the leader as saying.
“Go and read that statement of intent. In that statement, we said issues of foreign policy, the constitution and the rule of law fall outside any negotiation and agreement. Yes, they may have tried to go back on some of the agreements, but that’s why we’ve dismissed those discussions. Have we reopened the negotiations on all of those? We have not.”
Zille countered, accusing the ANC of attempting to dominate the GNU and prioritise its interests over South Africa’s.
The DA has also recently undertaken a working visit to the US, advocating for stabilising diplomatic relations amid tensions.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said last week that the president will carefully consider the ambassadorial appointment, aiming to resolve the diplomatic stalemate without rushing the process.
“It’s not a process the president wants to rush. It a process he wants to apply his mind to against the prevailing conditions as well as the opportunity we see further down the line for an improved relationship with the Trump administration,” Magwenya said.
[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa will not rush into appointing a new ambassador to the United States following Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya adds that there are people volunteering themselves for the US ambassador position. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/dtrcznp7ay
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 20, 2025
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@AFRICANDEMOC
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled Betha Madhomu
