South Africa is a nation that does not bow to intimidation, that stands firm in the face of injustice, and that has always been a moral superpower in global affairs.
Today, we are being tested once again.
The expulsion of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by the United States is not merely a diplomatic slight—it is a blatant act of political coercion aimed at silencing South Africa’s independent voice.
His only ‘crime’ was telling the truth—calling out the white supremacist tendencies within the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and exposing the broader racial anxieties fuelling the US political landscape.
For this, the US has declared him persona non grata, proving once again their double standards on free speech and democracy. But we will not be bullied.
South Africa will stand by its diplomats. We will defend our sovereignty. And we will not be silenced by an empire that preaches democracy but punishes truth-telling.
Ambassador Rasool: A Truth-Teller Who Must Be Honored
I was present at the MISTRA webinar, where Ambassador Rasool provided a factual, historically grounded analysis of the racial and political tensions in the U.S.
His insights were not radical—they were realities acknowledged even within America itself.
The backlash against him is not about what he said, but who said it and from where.
His words were met not with debate, but with expulsion. This is not diplomacy; this is intimidation.
But South Africans do not abandon those who stand for justice. When Ambassador Rasool returns, he must be welcomed as a hero.
A national reception must be organized.
Government must formally honor him for his service.
Our people must mobilize to show the world that we defend those who speak truth to power.
We must make it clear: You do not silence a South African and expect us to bow down.
Exposing US Hypocrisy: They Preach But Do Not Practice
The United States claims to uphold democracy, free speech, and human rights, yet their actions repeatedly show otherwise. Consider this:
- They preach democracy, yet they have orchestrated coups and invasions against elected governments (Chile, Iraq, Libya, and more).
- They claim to protect free speech, yet they expel diplomats for political analysis.
- They claim to fight racism, yet their own justice system disproportionately imprisons, kills, and disenfranchises Black and minority citizens.
- They demand respect for international law, yet they ignore the rulings of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and continue to fund Israeli apartheid.
- As the African proverb says: “The axe forgets, but the tree remembers.”
South Africa remembers US complicity in apartheid. South Africa remembers how the US supported dictators while lecturing others on democracy.
South Africa remembers how the U.S. imposes economic warfare through sanctions while claiming to promote trade.
And we will not forget.
Defending South Africa’s Sovereignty: The Protections for Our Diplomats
The treatment of Ambassador Rasool is a violation of international diplomatic norms as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
The US expulsion of our ambassador was a clear breach of diplomatic protocol, demonstrating their willingness to abuse power to suppress critical voices. Under international law:
- Diplomatic representatives are entitled to freedom of expression, within the scope of their official duties.
- The expulsion of an ambassador should be an act of last resort, not political punishment for an inconvenient truth.
- The United Nations must hold Washington accountable for violating the principles of diplomatic immunity and fair diplomatic engagement.
- South Africa must demand a formal review of this decision through the UN, highlighting the precedent it sets for global diplomatic relations.
If Washington can expel an ambassador for simply stating facts, what does this mean for the integrity of global diplomacy? This is not just about South Africa—this is about protecting diplomatic immunity worldwide.
What South Africa Must Do: A Plan of Action
1. Give Ambassador Rasool a Hero’s Welcome - A national civic reception must be organized at OR Tambo International Airport upon his return. Government and civil society must formally recognize his contributions. Public mobilization must show that South Africa stands by its own.
2. Defend South Africa’s Sovereignty in Global Forums - Take this issue to the United Nations and African Union to challenge the U.S. abuse of diplomatic protocols. Engage BRICS and other allies to condemn this action and prevent similar treatment of other diplomats.
3. Strengthen Protections for South African Diplomats - Introduce a Diplomatic Protection Bill in Parliament to legally prevent the unfair targeting of our representatives abroad. Demand reciprocity in diplomatic relations—if the U.S. expels our ambassador for political reasons, we must have the right to respond in kind.
4. Reduce Economic Dependence on the US - Accelerate our trade shift toward BRICS and Africa. Strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an alternative to AGOA dependency. Leverage our critical mineral resources (platinum, chromium, rare earth metals) as bargaining power.
5. Expose U.S. Hypocrisy in Global Media - Launch an international PR campaign exposing the double standards behind this expulsion. Engage digital diplomacy to ensure South Africa’s narrative is heard globally.
We Will Not Be Bullied—We Will Lead
South Africa is not a vassal state. We do not take orders from Washington. We will not be intimidated into silence.
Ambassador Rasool’s expulsion is proof that our stance on global justice is effective—when you are punished for speaking truth, it means your words carry power.
This is our moment to reassert South Africa’s moral leadership on the global stage.
We will not bow to intimidation.
We will not apologize for defending justice.
We will not allow superpowers to dictate our principles.
As another African proverb says: “When the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
South Africa refuses to be the grass. We are the baobab tree—deep-rooted, unshaken, and standing tall for justice.
A Call to Action: South Africa, Stand Up!
1. Stand With Ambassador Rasool - Attend welcome rallies and mobilizations. Share his message widely—truth must not be suppressed.
2. Demand Accountability from the U.S. - Insist that DIRCO takes a firm diplomatic stance. Call on Parliament to formally condemn this injustice.
3. Strengthen Our Sovereignty - Reduce reliance on U.S. trade and investment. Engage African and BRICS partners to secure independent trade and diplomatic relations.
4. Spread the Message - Use the hashtag #StandWithRasool on social media. Educate others about South Africa’s right to speak freely and act independently.
South Africa Will Not Be Silenced
Ambassador Rasool spoke truth to power. Now, South Africa must stand up for him. We have survived apartheid, we have rebuilt a democracy, and we have always stood on the side of justice. We will not be silenced now.
We are not afraid.
We will not be bullied.
We will lead.
South Africa: This is our time to stand together.
*Faiez Jacobs is a South African politician who served as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa for the African National Congress from 2019 until 2024.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.