South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to appoint a new ambassador to the United States, signaling an end to a seven-month diplomatic freeze that has strained one of Pretoria’s most critical bilateral relationships.
The ambassadorial post has remained vacant since March, following the recall of former envoy Ebrahim Rasool, who was declared persona non grata by Washington after remarks in which he accused then–U.S. President Donald Trump of “white supremacy.”
The fallout from the controversy led to Rasool’s immediate recall and marked a sharp deterioration in relations between Pretoria and Washington.
Since then, engagement between the two nations has been minimal, with tensions escalating over trade, governance, and differing policy approaches.
According to BusinessTech, Ramaphosa is expected to appoint Alistair Ruiters, his current special adviser on investment promotion, as South Africa’s next ambassador to Washington.
Ruiters is a seasoned technocrat with significant experience in both the public and private sectors, having previously served as director-general of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and as CEO of the National Empowerment Fund.
Although Ruiters lacks formal diplomatic experience, Business Times said that his work as part of South Africa’s mission to the US is seen as a plus.
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If confirmed, Ruiters will assume one of South Africa’s most challenging diplomatic roles.
The United States recently imposed a 30% export tariff on South African goods, a measure initially delayed for negotiation but implemented in early August.
While approximately 35% of South African exports to the U.S. remain exempt, critical industries such as steel and automotive manufacturing have been significantly affected.
The situation further deteriorated when the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired on September 30, 2025, ending duty-free access for numerous South African exporters.
Trade Minister Parks Tau has confirmed that negotiations with Washington are ongoing, though no new agreement has yet been reached.
Beyond trade, political and diplomatic tensions persist. U.S. officials have expressed frustration over South Africa’s foreign policy stance, particularly its deepening ties with Russia and China.
Meanwhile, several senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have reportedly declined official visits to South Africa, citing objections to the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies.
Adding to the strain, Washington is currently reviewing South Africa’s placement on its human trafficking watch list.
Against this backdrop, Ruiters’ appointment could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of an already fragile bilateral relationship between the two nations.
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Image Credit: China Daily
