At the weekend, DA federal chairperson Helen Zille suggested Leon should become the next US ambassador, while the Activists and Citizens Forum, through its 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 US President Donald Trump, and his administration of supremacism.
Bloem, speaking on behalf of the forum, suggested that the country needs a strong, firm leader in the form of Sisulu to represent the country amid increased tensions between South Africa and Trump's administration. He said Sisulu has served the country in several positions, making her the most suitable person to replace Rasool.
"South Africa needs a ... principled person with integrity as an ambassador in the USA. We believe that former minister Dr Lindiwe Sisulu has the necessary qualities. President Cyril Ramaphosa has the responsibility to speed up the appointment of the ambassador.
We urgently need a replacement," said Bloem.
While speaking to SABC News, Zille said that Leon would be the country's ideal replacement for Rasool.
"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," she said.
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.
"We have R196 billion worth of trade w...
Early this month, Rasool was declared persona non grata by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after he accused US President Donald Trump, and his administration of supremacism.
Bloem, speaking on behalf of the forum, suggested that the country needs a strong, firm leader in the form of Sisulu to represent the country amid increased tensions between South Africa and Trump's administration. He said Sisulu has served the country in several positions, making her the most suitable person to replace Rasool.
"South Africa needs a ... principled person with integrity as an ambassador in the USA. We believe that former minister Dr Lindiwe Sisulu has the necessary qualities. President Cyril Ramaphosa has the responsibility to speed up the appointment of the ambassador.
We urgently need a replacement," said Bloem.
While speaking to SABC News, Zille said that Leon would be the country's ideal replacement for Rasool.
"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," she said.
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.
"We have R196 billion worth of trade w...
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The Mercury (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 24, 2025