Ambassador-Designate Rasool believes relations with incoming Trump administration will be transactional

CAPE TOWN - Ambassador-designate to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, says he believes relations with the incoming Trump administration will be a transactional one.

The former Western Cape Premier, Rasool is no stranger to the workings of Washington, having first served as South Africa's ambassador in 2010.

Following the confirmation of Rasool's new posting this week, he said that while he was preparing for the same role again, the context was very different.

Rasool is not necessarily expecting the warm White House welcome South Africa received under Barack Obama but he believes Donald Trump’s administration will recognise a mutually beneficial trade relationship can be had with South Africa amid fears that Trump will can duty-free exports to the US after 2025. 

"We've got to understand that the mindset that is in the White House, that will be in the state department and in congress, will be a transactional mindset. It's time for South Africa to show what do we bring to that relationship." 

Whether South Africa will suffer consequences for its friendships with Russia, China and Iran, is something Rasool is also preparing to manage. 

"We must find a voice of clarity that can explain to the United States because they practice exactly the same thing, that while they are our relationship of choice, there’s not always going to be the case of exclusivity." 

Rasool said he would also be working to ensure a smooth transition of the G20 presidency to the US when South Africa hands over the baton at the end of 2025.