Ramaphosa moves to name new US ambassador after seven months of diplomatic freeze

President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly preparing to appoint a new ambassador to the United States, ending a seven-month diplomatic gap that began when former envoy Ebrahim Rasool was declared persona non grata by Washington, straining already tense bilateral ties.

The position has been vacant since March, when former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was recalled by Pretoria following remarks accusing then–US President Donald Trump of “white supremacy.”

The fallout led to Rasool’s immediate recall and marked a sharp downturn in diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Washington. Since then, engagement between the two nations has remained limited, with tensions deepening over trade, governance, and policy differences.

According to Business Tech, Ramaphosa is expected to name Alistair Ruiters, his current special adviser on investment promotion, as South Africa’s next ambassador to Washington. Ruiters, a seasoned technocrat with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, previously served as director-general of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and as CEO of the National Empowerment Fund.

If confirmed, Ruiters will inherit one of South Africa’s most challenging diplomatic assignments. The United States has imposed a 30% export tariff on South African goods, a move initially delayed for negotiation but implemented in early August.

Although roughly 35% of exports to the US remain exempt, key industries, including steel and automotive manufacturing, have been hit hard.

The situation worsened when the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired on September 30, 2025, ending duty-free access for many South African exporters. While Trade Minister Parks Tau has said negotiations with the US continue, no new agreement has been reached.

Beyond trade, political and diplomatic friction persists. Washington has expressed growing frustration over South Africa’s foreign policy stance, particularly its relations with Russia and China.

Meanwhile, senior US officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have reportedly refused official visits to South Africa, citing objections to the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies.

With the US now reviewing South Africa’s inclusion on its human trafficking watch list, Ruiters’ posting could define the next chapter of an already fragile relationship.