Former South African Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, received a hero’s welcome at Cape Town International Airport on Sunday, 23 March 2025. His return was met with cheers and solidarity from various organizations and members of the public following his recent expulsion from the U.S., where he was declared persona non grata.
Addressing the crowd, Rasool spoke of duty and resilience despite the challenges. “We did not choose to come home, but we return with no regrets,” he said. “We would have liked to report that we succeeded in turning away the false narrative of white genocide in South Africa, but we did not prevail in America.”
He acknowledged that while they were unable to secure favorable trade outcomes, such as AGOA, South Africa’s presence at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) remained crucial. “Had South Africa not been at the ICJ, Israel would not have been exposed, and the Palestinians would have no hope.”
Despite the political tensions, Rasool stressed the importance of rebuilding ties. “We do not return as enemies of America. Even after being declared persona non grata, we still believe in resetting our relationship with the United States.”
Receiving a warm ovation, he concluded, “If we are welcomed home with such warmth and ubuntu, then I will wear my persona non grata status as a badge of dignity—of our values and of standing for what is right.”
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape, represented by Ndithini Tyhido, welcomed Rasool wholeheartedly. “We won’t even attempt to speak diplomatically. We speak as South Africans and as the ANC: welcome home, son of the soil.”
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) also voiced strong support. Spokesperson Melvern de Bruyn declared, “Ebrahim, welcome home. You are not alone. As COSATU, we refuse to remain silent. We are deeply unhappy with this expulsion, and we stand with you in this fight.”
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm
