Julius Malema's opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party issued a scathing statement against the US, calling on South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa "to not allow the country to be bullied by the orange clown occupying the White House".

The Trump administration’s decision to expel the South African ambassador is its latest move against a country it has accused of being anti-white and anti-American.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had lashed out on social media over comments critical of President Trump that the ambassador had made to a think tank in Johannesburg.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Saturday he had noted the “regrettable expulsion” of the country’s ambassador to the United States and urged all stakeholders to maintain “decorum.” “South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,

Ties between the United States and South Africa have deteriorated since Trump cut U.S. financial aid to the country.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that South Africa’s ambassador to the United States “is no longer welcome” in the country. Rubio, in a post on X, accused Ebrahim Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” who hates President Donald Trump and declared him “persona non grata.” He didn’t give further reasoning.

Sec. of State Marco Rubio announced the expulsion of South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool following remarks Rasool made accusing the United States of engaging in "supremacist" policies domestically and globally.

The US has banished South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, accusing him of being a “race-baiting politician who hates America”. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Ebrahim Rasool is “no longer welcome in our great country”.

The development comes amid slumped ties since Donald Trump cut US financial aid to South Africa, citing disapproval of its land policy and its genocide case against Washington's ally Israel at the International Court of Justice.

The Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the USA, Ebrahim Rasool, was declared persona non grata on Friday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote that the diplomat is "a race-baiting politician" and "hates President Donald Trump.