SA set to appoint new US ambassador — Lamola says ties strong despite past tensions

Lamola

Cape Town – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, announced that the appointment of a permanent ambassador to the United States is imminent, following the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.

Lamola emphasised that despite tensions between the two countries, regular interactions continue.

Rasool returned to South Africa in March after being expelled by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also revoked his diplomatic privileges.

Lamola noted that, although President Cyril Ramaphosa’s special envoy, Mcebisi Jonas, has not yet travelled to the United States, his appointment followed Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February.

During the address, Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa “would not be bullied” and outlined plans to send special envoys to international capitals, including Washington, to clarify the country’s laws and policies.

Jonas, a former deputy finance minister, did not accompany Ramaphosa’s delegation during the Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump in May.

Lamola stressed that Jonas’ role as special envoy is temporary and there are no plans to replace him.

“The role of a special envoy is not permanent. It’s a temporal process. What we are currently considering, and are almost at an advanced stage with, is the appointment of a permanent ambassador, and that will be done soon.”

Lamola also addressed the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, noting that South Africa will proceed regardless of whether US President Donald Trump attends.

Preparations for the summit are underway, though attendance of other leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, remains uncertain.

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