Discussing the upcoming challenges with South Africa’s main representative in the US

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RYK VAN NIEKERK: The United States ranks as South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, playing a crucial role in our economic framework. Nevertheless, the ties with the world’s largest economy have become strained, primarily due to South Africa’s political allegiances with nations like China and Russia. This tension has regrettably brought previously beneficial trade agreements for South Africa back to the negotiation stage. Any revocation or alteration could severely impact our economy.

Ebrahim Rasool has recently been appointed as South Africa’s ambassador to the US. This marks his second tenure, having previously served in Washington from 2010 to 2015 during the Obama administration.

As our chief representative in the US, he holds a pivotal role as our nation’s leading diplomat.

He takes over from Nomaindiya Mfeketo, whose tenure was largely viewed as problematic, leading to her resignation due to health issues amidst widespread dissatisfaction with her handling of duties in Washington. Ebrahim Rasool has a significant task ahead: to mend the relationship between South Africa and the US.

Ebrahim is currently on the line. Ebrahim, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. How does it feel to be back in Washington, and have you started to dive right in?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: There was no other option but to hit the ground running. It’s extremely cold here; temperatures have dropped to minus 12 degrees over the past few days, but I’m still utilizing my coat from my first term—it’s a little larger now, but it keeps me warm.

Thus, we’ve had to immediately engage. I had to present my credentials to President [Joe] Biden and attend the inauguration of President Trump.

Our embassy is working diligently in preparation for what our president has assigned me to undertake as part of ‘Operation Reset’—a strategy focused on rebuilding our relationship with the United States of America.

These tasks are urgent, particularly considering the accelerated pace at which President Donald Trump is operating in the United States.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: The relationship is quite strained, and your predecessor did not ensure optimal relations between South Africa and the US. As you mention Operation Reset, could you elaborate on what your short-term objectives entail?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: First and foremost, we need to function as a cohesive unit—Team South Africa.

This effort must engage not just the embassy staff but also the private sector with interests and operations in the US. All relevant entities must collaborate as one team. That’s the initial step—building a competent team ready for the task.

The second task involves understanding the new administration and its key players. Many are unfamiliar faces, although there are some recognizable figures like Marco Rubio, who is now Secretary of State.

We must navigate this landscape without relying on conventional diplomatic approaches, as this isn’t typical diplomacy.

Lastly, we need to identify the critical goals for South Africa that need pursuit.

At the forefront is Agoa [the African Growth and Opportunity Act]—maintaining and expanding the investments made by 600 US companies is vital. Additionally, understanding the ramifications of executive orders concerning initiatives like Pepfar [the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief], which supports our fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, is essential.

We thus have a defined agenda and task list, which we are diligently pursuing in the United States of America.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: What is your view on the current dynamics between South Africa and the US?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: There is a recognition from President [Cyril Ramaphosa], the government of national unity, and our Minister [of International Relations and Cooperation] Ronald Lamola, alongside our team here, that when we refer to Operation Reset, we admit that issues have gone awry and need mending.

South Africa has taken principled stances on issues like Israel and Palestine.

We have maintained a non-aligned position regarding the Ukraine/Russia conflict.

This approach has not universally resonated well in the US, prompting us to better articulate our positions.

Furthermore, as the ceasefire in the Israel/Palestine situation extends, it lessens South Africa’s role as a peace advocate in that region.

Consequently, we must prioritize issues that genuinely concern our populace and our nation, especially regarding our economic ties with the United States.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: You mentioned needing to clarify the relationships South Africa maintains with China and Russia. What would you elaborate on there?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: For instance, we need to articulate that Brics operates as a coalition of emerging markets.

It is often misunderstood that the political dialogues among emerging markets may not align with the political values embraced elsewhere. In discussing political values, we tend to share closer ties with fellow democracies like Brazil and China.

This explains our dual partnerships: Brics, representing emerging economies, and Ibsa, comprising India, Brazil, and South Africa.

The Ibsa group within Brics has historically pushed back against the idea of de-dollarisation and ceasing trade in dollars. We recognize the dollar’s significance to our economies and do not support initiatives advocating for de-dollarisation.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: The key policy affecting South Africa that you’ve previously mentioned, which is currently renegotiated—perhaps for the wrong reasons—is the Agoa Act, which permits South Africa and other African nations to export goods to the US without tariffs, alongside a bilateral trade agreement. How serious is the threat from the Americans to revoke or alter those agreements? Or rather, do they see it as leverage?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: It’s likely always to be used as leverage, as it represents a unilateral trade agreement granted by the US to Africa, placing them in control. Thus, it remains a potential stick.

However, it appears evident since President Trump’s executive orders that tariffs will become more universal, serving as a means for the US to generate external revenue. They began with Canada and Mexico, their immediate neighbors.

The US appears to be exploring the equal imposition of tariffs; for example, if the US charges one nation a 3% tariff, while that nation imposes a 10% tariff on US goods, the US will adjust its tariffs to match.

There’s a systematic approach identified by President Trump regarding tariffs, which could undermine Agoa in certain aspects.

Nonetheless, the African Growth and Opportunities Act remains very unique, and all African nations are apprehensive that these universal tariffs could jeopardize some of Agoa’s advantages. Our task is to convince the US that we do not represent a threat to American jobs as perceived by the present administration regarding nations like Mexico and Canada.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: This situation is indeed intriguing. Donald Trump has issued stern warnings regarding tariffs and takes them very seriously—our trade agreements largely depend on reduced tariffs. Has there been any indication from the Trump administration that their stance on tariffs could affect South Africa?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: There has been notable concern from several members of Congress and US senators, who’ve explicitly threatened to remove South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunities Act.

These actions are predominantly political, stemming primarily from the Israel/Palestine context, as well as economic factors…

It’s worth noting that under Agoa, South Africa stands out as potentially the only African nation exporting manufactured products, such as BMWs, to the US market.

It’s no longer just about exporting raw materials to the US. In fact, 70% of our exports to America contain a significant manufactured component.

That was not the intent of Agoa; it was devised as a means for raw materials to reach the US. Our challenge is to convey that these products do not pose a threat to your automotive industry. Instead, they are beneficial.

Furthermore, we export nuclear medical isotopes to the US that are crucial for cancer treatment in America.

Thus, when I mention the necessity for clarification, these are the vital points we must communicate—South Africa does not undermine the US economy; rather, we contribute positively to it, and thus we need to argue for maintaining our position in Agoa with as few tariffs as possible.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: You’ve had the opportunity to meet Donald Trump several times. When was the last time you shook his hand?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: Shaking hands with him during the recent inauguration was quite challenging due to the sheer number of people and the intensified security surrounding him.

However, I was invited by him back in 2012, when he was a private citizen and I was then an ambassador. He was raising funds for the Red Cross Society of America, and he specifically invited three ambassadors, including myself, to Mar-a-Lago.

He listened to my speech on that occasion and congratulated me afterward. Hopefully, he still appreciates my words.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: He mentioned you delivered an outstanding speech if I recall correctly. What’s your impression of Donald Trump among the often-negative perceptions surrounding him? How do you view him personally?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: Mr. Trump is undoubtedly an enigma. You could fall into all the stereotypes and judgments about him based on the negative traits he is often associated with. However, as an ambassador, my role is not to let my personal feelings cloud my interactions.

I observe that he positions himself, particularly to his base, as a decisive leader. Americans crave decisiveness—they are fatigued by the gridlock in Washington.

He is assertive and occasionally makes mistakes. Regardless of one’s opinion, what resonates within the populace is a sense of progress within governance.

Our aim is to mitigate any potential adverse effects on South Africa during his administration.

I trust that enough individuals in Washington recognize me as someone with integrity who can represent South Africa reliably within the political landscape here.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: An interesting term lies ahead for you. How long is your appointment for?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: Typically, ambassadors serve no more than four years. However, we’ll see how it unfolds.

I personally wouldn’t envision spending more than that duration in Washington.

It establishes a solid timeline, ensuring I’m here to complete an assignment and then return home.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: That is indeed a significant mandate. Could you share how large your team in Washington is?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: The size of the team is not as extensive as during my previous tenure.

However, we have a saying in Cape Town: ‘klein maar ge-train’. If your team isn’t large, it’s critical to ensure it’s skilled.

I’ve engaged with the team, and the enthusiasm is palpable. I believe it’s up to me to share my insights on effective operations and energize the team.

My impression is that they are prepared for the challenges ahead and recognize the importance of this work.

I can assure you that the team is currently focused on comprehending every executive order, assessing its implications for South Africa.

We will strive to keep our government informed about necessary actions that serve South Africa’s best interests.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: Lastly, you highlighted earlier the role of the private sector in engaging with the US government. How significant was private sector involvement, particularly major corporations, in fostering this relationship with the US?

What do you envision as an ideal collaboration between the public and private sectors to cultivate the healthiest possible relations with the US?

EBRAHIM RASOOL: When I was here previously, we developed the concept of ‘Team South Africa’.

At that time, entities like Standard Bank operated from New York, Old Mutual was setting up an office there, mining firms such as Anglo American were engaged in mining projects, and Sasol was a significant investor in the US in Louisiana.

All these stakeholders, in collaboration with Brand South Africa and SA Tourism, formed part of our strategic initiatives.

Now, we also see new players like RMB, Glencore, and Sibanye-Stillwater establishing their presence here.

Nando’s is prominently represented as another South African brand here.

The private sector’s contributions will be pivotal in making our case, especially in overcoming the existing trust deficit.

The concept of a government of national unity is essential to bridging that trust deficit, with the private sector lending significant support.

For instance, someone like Elon Musk represents a vital connection to the South African private sector.

This effort needs to be collaborative—an inclusive mission is necessary as we navigate the stakes at hand in the USA.

RYK VAN NIEKERK: We must conclude there. Thank you for sharing your insights today. That was Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador to the United States of America.

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