South African diplomat expelled by US gets hero’s welcome at home
South Africa’s former ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, returned home to a cheering crowd after being expelled by the US government.
Hundreds of supporters gathered at Cape Town International Airport on March 23, singing and celebrating his arrival.
Police had to escort Rasool and his wife, Rosieda, through the airport as people surrounded them.
Speaking to the crowd, Rasool said being declared "persona non grata" was meant to humiliate him, but the warm welcome made him feel proud instead.
He told his supporters that despite his expulsion, South Africa must work to repair its relationship with the US.
His removal came after former US President Donald Trump accused South Africa of supporting Hamas and Iran while following policies that he claimed were anti-white. Last month, Trump signed an order cutting all US funding to South Africa.
Rasool denied being anti-American and said South Africa should not completely cut ties with the US.
He also said he did not regret his actions, even though he had no choice but to return home.
His remarks on March 23 were his first public statements since US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his expulsion over a week ago.
