DIRCO confirms Ebrahim Rasool returning to US for second stint as SA ambassador

CAPE TOWN - The Department of International Relations (DIRCO) has confirmed that Ebrahim Rasool will be returning to Washington for a second stint as the country’s ambassador.

His appointment comes at a critical time as the US prepares to usher in a new Republican government in January. 

Making the announcement on Tuesday, Minister Ronald Lamola said the president's decision to appoint Rasool was based on the need to appoint someone who could deal with matters in a bipartisan manner.

A former Western Cape Premier and the current chairperson of the Development Bank of South Africa, Rasool served as South Africa’s ambassador to the US between 2010 and 2015 when Barack Obama was in the Oval Office. 

Now he will head to the US under a second Donald Trump administration. 

Minister Lamola said the president believes Rasool is the right man to engage both Democrats and Republicans. 

"The president had to appoint someone who is able to also engage with the various think tanks in the US and the other important platforms that influence US foreign policy."

Following a recent visit to the US, Lamola said the relationship with a new government would be tricky on a number of issues. 

"There’s never been a straightforward relationship [with the US]. But we think the challenges, we will be able to confront and engage and find a mutual beneficial solution."

AGOA, Africa’s duty-free trade agreement with the US, will again be up for consideration next year.