South African Foreign Ministry declares Israeli diplomat persona non grata for insulting Ramaphosa

Charge d'affaires at the Israeli Embassy in South Africa Ariel Seidman has been declared persona non grata in the country after making inappropriate remarks about South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This was announced on January 30 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa.

"The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has informed the Government of the State of Israel of its decision to declare Mr. Ariel Seidman, Charge d'affaires of the Israeli Embassy, persona non grata," the ministry said in a statement.

It is noted that the reason for the decision was Seidman's offensive publications on the official social networks of Israel regarding the head of state and other high-ranking officials. The Ministry noted that the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa and the dignity of its government agencies are inviolable.

The Israeli representative must leave South Africa within 72 hours.

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In March 2025, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, Emrahim Rasool, who was expelled from the United States, stated that he intended to be proud of the persona non grata status given to him by Washington. Upon arrival at Cape Town airport, Rasul, who returned with his wife, was greeted by hundreds of supporters as a national hero. The diplomat stressed that the decision to return home was not his choice, but he arrived in South Africa without regrets.

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