Expelled South African Ambassador Receives Hero’s Welcome at Home

Former South African Ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool returned home to a hero’s welcome on Sunday after being expelled from the United States and declared persona non grata by the Trump administration. Hundreds of supporters gathered at Cape Town International Airport, singing and chanting in his honor as he and his wife Rosieda arrived. Police escorted them through the crowded terminal.

Speaking to his supporters, Rasool emphasized the need to repair relations between South Africa and the U.S., despite tensions caused by recent actions taken by former President Donald Trump. Last month, Trump issued an executive order cutting all U.S. funding to South Africa, accusing its government of supporting Hamas and Iran and promoting anti-white policies.

Rasool was officially expelled on March 14 by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who labeled him a “race-baiting politician” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The post linked to a Breitbart article referencing Rasool’s remarks on a South African think tank webinar, where he discussed demographic shifts in the U.S. and the MAGA movement’s response. Rasool defended his comments, stating they were academic observations about changes in U.S. politics.

During his speech, Rasool also reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He rejected U.S. pressure to withdraw the case, insisting that South Africa would continue its legal challenge while also working to maintain diplomatic relations with the U.S.

Some of Rasool’s supporters waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine”, underscoring the strong pro-Palestinian sentiment in South Africa. “We cannot sacrifice the Palestinians,” Rasool stated, “but we will also not give up on our relationship with the United States. We must fight for it, but we must keep our dignity.”