Rasool seeking 'to shift the narrative' in second stint as SA ambassador to US
This week, the International Relations Department (DIRCO) confirmed Ebrahim Rasool's return to Washington.
FILE: Ebrahim Rasool speaks onstage at the Shared Interest 19th Annual Awards Gala on 18 March 2013 in New York City. Picture: Donald Bowers / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
CAPE TOWN - Former Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool said that his second stint in the United States (US) as South Africa's ambassador is looking a lot different from his first.
This week, the International Relations Department (DIRCO) confirmed Rasool's return to Washington.
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.
His appointment comes at a critical time as the US prepares to usher in a new Republican government in January.
Rasool served as South Africa’s ambassador to the US between 2010 and 2015 when Barack Obama was in the Oval Office, and will now head to the US under a second Donald Trump administration.
"When I came there the first time, it was the afterglow of the World Cup 2010, it was the concern about Nelson Mandela's health, it was a warmth about the liberation movement and the anti-apartheid movement turning 100 years old and added to that, the warmth of the White House and the state department."
Rasool said things were looking a bit different this time around.
"Washington remains institutionally what it was, but there is a different political leadership. Towards the end of my previous stint, I had to learn the art of walking both sides of the aisle. That’s what’s going to be required right now to be able to work Democrats, who are a distinct minority, as well as Republicans, who are the emboldened majority and I think we need to shift the narrative this time around."