Ramaphosa vs Trump: South Africa’s US Ambassador Appointment Stalled Amid Diplomatic Tensions

South Africa’s quest to appoint a new ambassador to the United States remains mired in political limbo, nearly a year after former envoy Ebrahim Rasool was declared “persona non grata” by the Trump administration.

With tensions over trade tariffs, Venezuela, and the ICJ case looming, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s preferred candidate, Alistair Ruiters, faces a delicate balancing act—appeasing both Washington and local political stakeholders while navigating an increasingly fraught international landscape.

The South African ambassadorial seat in Washington has become a high-stakes chess game, sitting empty for ten months following Rasool’s expulsion.

Behind the scenes, multiple heavyweight candidates—including Alistair Ruiters, Roelf Meyer, and Tony Leon—are jostling for the post, while political maneuvering and international friction over Venezuela and ICJ disputes threaten to stall any formal appointment.

President Ramaphosa’s top choice, his special advisor for investment promotion, Ruiters, enjoys strong backing from business and political quarters.

Ruiters is seen see as a pragmatic, professional choice capable of navigating complex US markets and politics.

Other potential candidates include ANC veteran and former Minister of Defence Roelf Meyer; Marthinus van Schalkwyk, former National Party leader and Minister of Tourism; Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development; Gerhardus Koornhof, presidential parliamentary counsellor; former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel; and former DA leader and ex-Ambassador to Argentina, Tony Leon.

Rasool’s expulsion followed critical remarks he made during an online webinar, accusing the Trump administration of “mobilising supremacism.”

In his absence, Ramaphosa appointed former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to manage bilateral, trade, and diplomatic priorities. However, the US denied Jonas a diplomatic visa, citing past remarks in which he allegedly called Trump a “racist,” “homophobe,” and “narcissistic right-winger.”

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola previously stated that the process of appointing a new ambassador was at an “advanced stage” and “imminent,” while emphasising that the vacant post was not responsible for US tariffs on South African goods. The US had imposed a 30% tariff, alleging South Africa maintained “unfair” barriers to US imports.

Tensions between the two countries escalated further following the US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro—a move South Africa condemned as a “manifest violation” of the UN Charter.

When asked about the ambassadorial appointment, Lamola’s spokesperson directed questions to the Presidency, which did not respond by the time of publication. Meanwhile, the US confirmed Leo Brent Bozell III as its new ambassador to South Africa, with Senate approval on December 18, 2025.

An expert familiar with the situation said the appointment process has become politically charged. “Right-wing interests in South Africa are seeking to politicise the position. All candidates have been chosen to represent specific political and international interests,” the source said, adding that appeasing both the US and Israel could pressure South Africa to withdraw its ICJ case against Israel.

International relations expert Professor Kgothatso Shai said the delay is largely due to heightened tensions with the US. “The new ambassador will need to present credentials to Trump, who remains deeply aggrieved with South Africa. The timing is not favorable, and the US may deliberately frustrate the process to assert its leverage,” Shai said.

Political analyst Sandile Swana echoed this sentiment, noting that meaningful diplomatic progress is unlikely until South Africa separates itself from Iran, China, and Russia, and resolves its ICJ dispute. “Instead, South Africa is reportedly planning joint military exercises with these countries, which further complicates any reconciliation with the US,” he added.

With the post vacant for nearly a year, the appointment of a South African ambassador to Washington has become a high-stakes political balancing act, intertwining domestic influence, international strategy, and strained US relations.

DAILY NEWS