Mongezi Koko 9 November 2024 | 10:35

DIRCO vetting candidates for SA Ambassador to US post

Rasool, who currently ranks 75th on the African National Congress (ANC)'s national list, served as the country's ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2015.

DIRCO vetting candidates for SA Ambassador to US post

FILE: Former Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool engages with the press at Pinelands Blue School on 29 May 2024, where he’s expected to cast his vote. Picture: Skhu Nkomphela/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has dismissed reports that the former South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, will return to his previous post.

Rasool, who currently ranks 75th on the African National Congress (ANC)'s national list, served as the country's ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2015.

Recent media reports had suggested that Rasool would be returning to help strengthen bilateral relations under the administration of recently re-elected US President Donald Trump.

However, speaking to EWN, DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela said there is a vetting process before an official ambassadorial announcement can be made.

"After we sign the agreement then your appointment can be made official, because it’s possible that we can submit letters of credence and their vetting process says no they can’t have you, then we have to nominate a different person. So, to make an official announcement on a process that is yet to be concluded is premature."