NEXT IN LINE? Lindiwe Sisulu's name has been thrown into the hat for the US ambassadorship
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
FORMER DA leader Tony Leon and ex-ANC MP Lindiwe Sisulu have been tipped to become South Africa's next ambassadors to the US following the expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool.
DA federal chairperson Hellen Zille at the weekend put Leon forward, while Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem nominated Sisulu as Rasool’s replacement.
Early this month, Rasool was declared persona non grata by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after he accused American President Donald Trump, and his administration of supremacism.
Bloem, speaking on behalf of the forum, suggested that the country needs a firm and strong leader in the form of Sisulu who will represent South Africa well amid increased tensions between South Africa and Donald Trump's administration.
At the weekend, Bloem said: “We believe that former Minister, Dr Lindiwe Sisulu, has the necessary qualities to represent the country.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has the responsibility to speed up the appointment of the Ambassador. We urgently need a replacement. President Ramaphosa must avoid leaving a vacuum in such an important office.”
While speaking to SABC News, DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille revealed Leon, who has extensive experience in diplomacy, would be the country's ideal replacement for Rasool.
She said: “Tony Leon would be a suitable choice as South Africa’s new ambassador to the US.
“Our view is that President Cyril Ramaphosa must consult about the appropriate replacement. It is a crucial position.
“We know very well that President Donald Trump is looking inwards. He wants to make America great today. He is not interested in countries undermining the US's interests...
"If I had to choose, I would choose somebody like Tony Leon. I think he would be excellent. He has been a very good ambassador before in Argentina. He has all the skills that are top-level.”
Zille said having the US as an enemy will not serve the country's economy and urged Ramaphosa find a way of repairing the damaged relationship with the White House.
TIPPED: Former DA leader Tony Leon
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