President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that the appointment of South Africa’s next ambassador to the United States remains his sole responsibility, following calls from the Democratic Alliance (DA) for broader consultation among Government of National Unity (GNU) partners.
South Africa is currently without an ambassador in Washington after the recent expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool. The DA has suggested that all GNU parties be consulted on key diplomatic appointments, including the next U.S. envoy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa’s (DENOSA) ninth congress in Boksburg on Tuesday, Ramaphosa was asked if he would consult GNU partners on the matter.
“The president appoints ambassadors, and it is within his sole right to appoint ambassadors,” he stated firmly.
He also emphasized the importance of selecting a highly qualified individual for the role, given the strategic significance of South Africa’s relationship with the U.S.
“The United States is the second-largest trading partner to South Africa, and therefore we need to have top-class representation in the U.S., and that is something we are still working on,” he added.
Over the weekend, the DA proposed former party leader Tony Leon as a potential candidate for the position. However, Ramaphosa has yet to indicate any decision on the appointment.
