US expels S. African ambassador, accusing him of hating Trump

Sharjah 24 – AFP: The United States has expelled South Africa's ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, accusing him of hating America and President Donald Trump. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on X, calling Rasool "a race-baiting politician" and declaring him "PERSONA NON GRATA."

Rising tensions between Washington and Pretoria

This expulsion marks a new chapter in escalating tensions between the US and South Africa. In February, Trump froze US aid to South Africa, citing a controversial law that he claims allows land to be seized from white farmers.

The controversial issue of land ownership in South Africa

Land ownership remains a contentious issue in South Africa, with the majority of farmland still owned by white individuals, despite the end of apartheid three decades ago. The South African government is under pressure to implement land reforms to address this imbalance.

Elon Musk and criticism of South Africa's ownership laws

Elon Musk, a South African-born billionaire and ally of Trump, has also criticised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government for having “openly racist ownership laws.”

South Africa’s relationship with Trump

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at a G20 event, noted that he had a “wonderful” conversation with Trump when the US leader first took office. However, he acknowledged that the relationship between the two nations has since become strained.