South Africa is expected to name Alistair Ruiters, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s special advisor on investment promotion, as the country’s next ambassador to the United States, a role that has been vacant since March.
The diplomatic post has remained unfilled following the recall of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was declared persona non grata by the US government after making controversial remarks about US President Donald Trump.
His departure left a vacuum at a time of heightened tensions between Pretoria and Washington.
Deep background
Alistair Ruiters, who assumed his advisory role in April, boasts a deep background in both the public and private sectors.
He served as director-general of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) from 2000 to 2005, led the National Empowerment Fund, and was CEO of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor project. In 2009, he joined mining group Afarak as CEO.
While he lacks formal diplomatic experience, insiders believe Ruiters’ knowledge of international trade and investment – especially involving the US – could serve him well in navigating what is likely to be a difficult diplomatic portfolio.
Challenging Trade Environment
Alistair Ruiters enters the scene as US-South Africa trade relations face significant strain.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed 30% export tariffs on South African goods – a move that had been delayed by a 90-day grace period but came into full effect in August 2025.
Though 35% of exports are exempt, the tariffs have hit key sectors hard, with South African manufacturers and exporters bearing the brunt.
Further complicating matters, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired on 30 September 2025, stripping many South African goods of their duty-free access to US markets.
Negotiations to renew or replace AGOA are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached, according to Trade Minister Parks Tau.
Political Tensions Run Deep
Beyond trade, the diplomatic relationship has been marred by political unease.
Special envoy Mcebisi Jonas has made limited progress in Washington, hindered by lingering resentment over South Africa’s past criticisms of Trump and the ANC government’s perceived alignment with US rivals.
High-level engagement remains limited.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declined to visit South Africa, and President Trump has opted to send Vice President JD Vance to the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November instead of attending in person.
Meanwhile, the proposed US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act, introduced in the US Senate by John Kennedy, seeks to:
- Review the full scope of US–South Africa relations
- Cut South Africa from AGOA permanently
- Impose potential sanctions on ANC members
The bill reflects growing bipartisan frustration in Washington over Pretoria’s foreign policy positions, human rights concerns, and trade practices.
Human Rights Concerns Add Pressure
In another blow, the US State Department has added South Africa to its human trafficking watch list, citing insufficient progress in combating forced labour and modern slavery.
Without meaningful action, the country risks being downgraded to Tier 3, a designation that can trigger non-humanitarian and non-trade sanctions.
A New Diplomatic Chapter
If appointed, Alistair Ruiters will inherit a fragile relationship and a complex diplomatic mandate.
Analysts note that repairing trust with the US will require careful negotiation, strategic diplomacy, and a renewed focus on shared economic and geopolitical interests.
While official confirmation of his appointment is still pending, expectations are already mounting for him to play a key role in resetting the tone between Pretoria and Washington.
“This is not a ceremonial post,” one political analyst noted.
“It’s a frontline position in South Africa’s international diplomacy – and Ruiters will have his work cut out for him.”
