Ramaphosa to discuss ambassador appointment with Trump

Government sources believe that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will discuss the appointment of a new ambassador to the United States with US President Donald Trump during their upcoming meeting. 

Trump had previously indicated the type of ambassador he would like to see chosen by Ramaphosa, sparking debate about the potential implications.

The meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump comes amid strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

The US had expelled former South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March, declaring him persona non grata for criticizing Trump.

Ramaphosa has since appointed Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the US, but the appointment of a new ambassador is still pending.

Strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US have raised questions about appointing a new ambassador. 

Recently 59 South Africans immigrated to the US after the Trump administration granted them “refugee” status.

The Presidency confirmed Wednesday night that Ramaphosa would be in Washington from 19 until 21 May.

However, addressing a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told the media that Ramaphosa would not let South Africa be bullied during discussions in Washington regarding trade.

Ntshavheni said Ramaphosa expected a "level of decorum" during his visit.

She said that despite their differences Ramaphosa did not anticipate any mistreatment or embarrassment during the meeting.

"We expect a very cordial discussion. As I've said previously, it doesn’t mean there won’t be differences and there's no one person or one country which is entitled to differ more than the other. Where they differ, we will also differ. South Africa has, over the years, demonstrated that we are a sovereign state,” said Ntshavheni.

In February Trump embarrassed Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, during his visit to Washington with Trump branding the Ukrainian president a "dictator" who refuses to hold elections.

Government sources within the ANC suggest that Trump would like an ambassador who shares his views and priorities. However, analysts argue that Trump should not dictate the type of ambassador Ramaphosa should appoint.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola recently announced that Ramaphosa would soon appoint a new US ambassador, saying that Mcebisi Jonas has been designated as a special envoy to establish a foundation for peace.

Some of the names that have been tipped to take over from Rasool were Ibrahim Patel, Roelf Meyer and Martinus Van Schalkwyk.

Political analyst Sandile Swana said Trump should not dictate the type of ambassador Ramaphosa should appoint.

“It will not help for Trump to prescribe who should be the ambassador because you need an ambassador who is going to be sure that he is representing the interests of SA and more especially the wishes of the overwhelming black majority in South Africa. 

“No matter who we send. Even if we had to send Tony Leon. Tony Leon cannot get there and misrepresent anything that may cause parliament to rebel against the state president.

“So the person who goes there must be the person who certainly negotiates on behalf of the majority of South Africans and is not prone to unnecessary compromises. So the topic of the ambassador is guided by the laws of SA and appointed,” Swana said.

Dr. Rich Mashimbye, an expert on international relations, believes that the US government is primarily concerned with safeguarding the interests of white South Africans.

"The only condition that would likely make the U.S. government tone down on its white genocide accusations against the South African government and the imposing of an ambassador is if Ramaphosa assures them that the interests of white minority would be safeguarded, notwithstanding the justified need to correct colonial and apartheid legacies in the country," Mashimbye said.

[email protected]