Cape Town – Former DA leader and ex-ambassador to Argentina, Tony Leon, has dismissed speculation about filling the vacant role of South Africa’s ambassador to the US.
The position became available after Ebrahim Rasool was expelled for controversial remarks about former US President Donald Trump.
DA federal chair Helen Zille suggested Leon for the role, citing his diplomatic experience and knowledge of international relations.
“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 in an interview with SABC News.
She 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, Leon said in an interview with eNCA that he has no interest in the position and was not consulted beforehand.
Leon emphasised that South Africa should focus on policies that promote economic growth and job creation.
“This is hypothetical speculation. It’s not something I’ve canvassed or something that was discussed with me beforehand. She [Zille] just said she was door stopped by journalists. I’m happy people like Zille say appropriate things in my case, but I’m not seeking a job.
“I am seeking that South Africa should put its best foot forward and decide whether it will subordinate some of the policies that are not advancing economic growth and job creation,” he said.
Leon noted that even a highly skilled diplomat would struggle to mend strained US-SA relations without a strong policy foundation.
“While there may be several candidates who could fit the role, having a diplomatic superstar isn’t enough. Effectiveness and discretion are important, but the real issue is the situation itself. We should use this crisis as an opportunity to take a deeper look at our agenda — how we’re advancing it, our positions, and whether our policies truly serve the country’s interests.”
Reflecting on his time as ambassador to Argentina (2009-2012), Leon stressed that an ambassador’s role is to represent national interests rather than personal opinions — a principle he believes Rasool failed to uphold.
He criticised the celebratory reception Rasool received upon returning to South Africa, calling it more of an activist’s display than a diplomat’s return.
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Compiled Betha Madhomu
