Rasool welcomed back home

CAPE TOWN - Former ambassador to the United States - Ebrahim Rasool said that he must accept that the diplomacy of ubuntu, did not work during his short second stint as the country’s envoy.

But he added that the country must at all times maintain its dignity and not sacrifice its values, even when its interests are under threat from a world superpower.

Former members of Rasool’s Western Cape provincial cabinet were among the throngs of supporters to welcome him back to Cape Town on Sunday.

They said that he is a  man of principle and as the ANC's former provincial chair - deserves to be supported.

While government called for a restrained welcome that would not further jeopardise relations with the U.S. the ANC's provincial executive said they believed that Sunday's gathering toed that line.

Among the wellwishers who gathered to greet Rasool, were former MECs in his provincial cabinet - like Leonard Ramatlakane.

He said that it should not be forgotten that the U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who expelled Rasool - was a critic of Trump - only a few years ago.

"Rasool is a respected leader in society, he’s a person who stands on principle, he’s never betrayed any revolution, and therefore he’s one of us. We welcome him here because we believe he’s a solid leader."

Another former MEC Richard Dyantyi said that Rasool's legacy in the province and even in the U.S. during his first tenure as ambassador, is undisputed.

"We welcome him for standing his ground on intellectually explaining what's happening in the U.S. and what is happening in South Africa, as well as saying, both countries need each other."

The party in the province said that despite Rasool's expulsion, it is still important to mend fences with the U.S.