Returning South African Ambassador Declares Intent to Wear U.S. Sanction as Symbol of Respectability
In a Shocking Turn of Events
On a triumphant homecoming Sunday, the South African ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, who was kicked out of the U.S. and labeled a public enemy by Trump's administration, was greeted with hearty cheers and songs of jubilation at Cape Town International Airport. Hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome the controversial figure, providing him a hero's welcome after his unceremonious expulsion.
Swarmed by enthusiastic well-wishers, Rasool and his wife Rosieda required a police escort to navigate through the airport terminal. "A 'persona non grata' declaration is meant to humiliate you," Rasool told the thronging crowd, addressing them through a megaphone. "But when you return to crowds like this, and with warmth... like this, then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity."
Rasool's expulsion, initiated by Trump's Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, came following a webinar speech where he discussed the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity and equity programs and immigration. The ex-ambassador stood by these remarks upon his return, claiming they were simply an alert to the changing political climate of the U.S.
The U.S. presidency's executive order from last month saw the cutting off of all funding to South Africa, along with accusations that its government supports Hamas and pursues anti-white policies domestically. "We don't come here to say we are anti-American," Rasool clarified to the crowd. "We are not here to call on you to throw away our interests with the United States."
Rasool also pledged South Africa's resistance to external pressure to drop its case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Trump administration cited this case against Israel as one of the reasons for their allegations of South Africa's anti-American stance.
Interestingly, the Breitbart story that Rubio cited when announcing Rasool's expulsion was penned by South African-born senior editor-at-large Joel Pollak, an ally of the Trump administration and a possible contender for the new U.S. ambassador to South Africa, as reported by South African media.
As supporter's welcomed Rasool home, some waved Palestinian flags and chanted for Palestine's freedom. "As we stand here, the bombing (in Gaza) has continued and the shooting has continued," Rasool stated, "if South Africa was not in the (International Court of Justice), Israel would not be exposed, and the Palestinians would have no hope."
A more somber note was struck when Rasool reiterated South Africa's commitment to maintaining its relationship with the U.S., acknowledging the vital importance of this bond. "We must fight for it," he said, "but we must keep our dignity."
- In contrast to being deemed a 'persona non grata' by the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador, considers his expulsion as a badge of dignity during his hero's welcome at Cape Town International Airport in Africa.
- South Africa, despite its ongoing case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, maintains a commitment to preserving its relationship with the U.S., understanding the significance of this bond in the world.
- In the midst of jubilant celebrations, Rasool's supporters, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for Palestine's freedom, contrasted the continuing violence in Gaza with South Africa's perceived role as a beacon of hope to expose Israel's actions and provide a platform for the Palestinians.
