South Africa’s newly designated US representative McEbisi Jonas has already sparked controversy with his comments about President Trump, as diplomatic ties between the two nations have deteriorated in recent months.
Jonas, appointed on Monday by President Cyril Ramaphosa, labeled Trump as racist and homophobic in a speech delivered in 2020, shortly after Joe Biden’s victory over Trump in the presidential election.
“Currently, the US is facing a critical moment, and Biden is clearly the victor against the racist and homophobic Donald Trump,” Jonas stated during that speech. “The manner in which the narcissistic right has brought about a situation where the world’s foremost economy and military have been managed is an aspect we must reflect upon. Every democracy ought to think about this,” he remarked.
These comments have resurfaced following the Trump administration’s expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador and the cessation of aid to the country, as reported by the Associated Press recently.
He made his remarks during South Africa’s annual Ahmed Kathrada Lecture, organized by an anti-apartheid group, according to the AP.
Oka has reached out to the White House for a response.
Last month, US Ambassador to South Africa Embrahim LaSaul was expelled from the country and declared Persona Non Grata by the Trump administration. Rasool characterized the expulsion and designation as a “badge of dignity.”
“Returning home was not our decision, but we will do so without regrets,” the diplomat stated upon his return to Africa.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized LaSaul, accusing him of “racial capitulation,” following claims that Trump is at the forefront of a white supremacist agenda. South Africa has not yet appointed a new US ambassador.
The Trump administration has also condemned South Africa for its relationship with Iran and its stance on the Israeli government.
In February, the Trump administration cut off all aid to South Africa in response to these policies and actions tied to overcoming apartheid-era legislation. Trump has criticized South Africa, alleging that it “seized agricultural land from minority Africans without compensation” through executive order.
In late March, following LaSaul’s expulsion, Trump appointed conservative media critic and pro-Israel commentator Leo Brent Bozel III as the new US ambassador to South Africa.
