The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has condemned the US decision to expel Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, describing it as a "serious hostile action" by President Donald Trump's administration.

SAFTU argues that this move reflects a deeper, troubling trend of anti-African and anti-black sentiment within US foreign policy, especially under the Trump administration.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, general secretary of Saftu, Zwelinzima Vavi spoke out against the expulsion, insisting that the US response was unjust.

Vavi said, “We reject in totality the decision of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump to expel the Ambassador of South Africa. There is no reason whatsoever they can explain for this, except hiding behind the nonsensical claim that he hates America.”

Vavi highlighted that Rasool's comments, made during an interview with the Mapungubwe Institute, were not an attack on America but rather a critical analysis of the rise of white supremacy and neo-fascism in the US.

Vavi argued that this rise was led by Trump’s policies, which fostered nationalism and xenophobia against migrants, Islamic nations, and African countries.

Rasool had pointed out the worrying trend of extreme nationalism in the US, which Vavi described as “neo-fascism” — a narrow, extreme form of nationalism that fuels anti-migrant sentiment and discrimination.

Vavi did not shy away from criticising Trump’s administration for its policies, asserting that the workers who supported Trump’s election now realise the negative consequences of his protectionist economic measures.

“The workers were promised tax cuts, protectionism, and now they are realising you cannot impose protectionist measures against other countries without those countries retaliating,” Vavi said.

The conversation also touched on South Africa’s foreign policy and its increasingly complex relationship with the US, especially concerning countries like Iran and Russia.

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Vavi expressed discomfort with South Africa’s ties to Iran, acknowledging the country’s human rights issues but also emphasising the need for South Africa to prioritise its own constitutional values when navigating international relations.

Despite these tensions, Vavi reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a relationship with the US, given that it is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner.

“We do need a relationship with the United States of America. This is our second-biggest trading partner,” Vavi said. However, he stressed that South Africa must draw clear boundaries and not yield to US pressure, especially in matters of human rights and national sovereignty.

The issue of South Africa’s stance on Israel and Palestine was also discussed. Vavi explained that the expulsion of the ambassador was directly linked to South Africa’s decision to bring Israel’s actions in Gaza before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He argued that the expulsion was retaliation for South Africa’s condemnation of Israeli policies, which it regards as genocide against the Palestinian people.

“We were right to take Israel to the International Court of Justice and name what is happening in Gaza for what it is, genocide,” he said.

On the broader geopolitical stage, Vavi slammed the Trump administration for using its power to advance corporate interests globally, often at the expense of human rights and economic equality. He cited examples such as the situation in Gaza, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the exploitation of Latin American and African resources, all of which he linked to imperialist and capitalist agendas.

Vavi also called for South Africa to reject the pressures from the US and to continue pursuing its own path, one that prioritises the interests of its people over corporate-driven diplomacy.

He urged the South African government to stand firm in its rejection of the US’ tactics of bullying and blackmail, especially in relation to the expropriation of land and economic transformation within South Africa.

“We should not bow to this kind of blackmail. South Africa must stand firm,” Vavi said.

In response to the US’ call for a swift envoy from South Africa to mend relations, Vavi was cautious but steadfast, asserting that South Africa should not be bullied into submission. He reiterated that the country's sovereignty and the dignity of its people must remain non-negotiable.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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'Anti-African sentiment' | Saftu responds to 'hostile' US ambassador expulsion row