SA must mend relationship with US because people's lives depend on it - Rasool

CAPE TOWN - Former ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, said that South Africa must mend its relationship with the world superpower because people's lives depend on it.

Rasool arrived home with his wife, Rosieda, in Cape Town on Sunday morning to a thunderous crowd of African National Congress (ANC) supporters following his expulsion as ambassador after less than three months.

Despite being declared a persona non grata, Rasool said he had no regrets about his short-lived second ambassadorial stint because South Africa cannot back down on speaking truth to power.

Even though he could not get his foot in the door at the White House, Rasool said that his expulsion proved that his voice was heard.

"South Africa is not an economic superpower, but South Africa has the ability again, to become a moral superpower, to stand up against chauvinism, to stand up against populism."

Despite the dishonorary dismissal, Rasool said the relationship with South Africa must be rebuilt and reset.

To sit out the next four years, he said, could have a detrimental impact on millions.

"We have tried to engage. We have been met with executive orders that cut our aid, that cut PEPFAR, and now we sit with the idea that millions could be reinfected with HIV/AIDS."

Rasool said South Africa could not back down on its genocide case against Israel even if it has upset relations with the US.