A brand and reputation expert is urging South Africa to take a strong and strategic stance in its relationship with the United States (US) to safeguard its sovereignty.
This comes after the US declared former South African Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, persona non grata following his controversial remarks about President Donald Trump.
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The diplomatic tension stems from a webinar where Rasool criticized Trump for promoting global white supremacy.
The US response was swift, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemning Rasool as a “race-baiting politician who hates America and President Trump.” Now, Rasool has been ordered to leave the US, with his return to South Africa imminent.
Expert Insights: Navigating the Diplomatic Storm
Tshepo Matseba, Managing Director of Reputation 1st, believes that while Rasool’s political tone might have been correct, the US has framed South Africa in a narrative of being anti-American and anti-white.
Matseba suggests that despite the merit of Rasool’s statements, S/Africa must approach the situation cautiously and diplomatically.
Matseba stressed that South Africa should not back down but instead use its leverage to assert its position on the global stage.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa must navigate these troubled waters by engaging in diplomatic channels firmly, ensuring that South Africa’s sovereignty remains intact,” Matseba said.
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