FORMER DA leader Tony Leon and former ANC MP Lindiwe Sisulu have informally entered the fray to become South Africa's next ambassadors to the US following the recent expulsion of former ANC member Ebrahim Rasool, who returned home on Sunday.

DA federal chairperson Hellen Zille at the weekend tipped Leon to become the next US ambassador, while on Saturday, the Activists and Citizens Forum, through its spokesperson Dennis Bloem, nominated Sisulu as Rasool's replacement.

Earlier 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 the country and Donald Trump's administration.

"We believe that former minister Dr Lindiwe Sisulu has the necessary qualities to represent the country.

"Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool has been expelled by US President Donald Trump and on his way home, 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," said Bloem.

While speaking to SABC News, Zille revealed that Leon, who has extensive experience in diplomacy, 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.

Citing Sisulu's previous role as a Member of Parliament and other international roles, Bloem suggested that Sisulu has served the country in various positions in Parliament and government as a senior cabinet minister, making her the most suitable for Rasool's replacement.

"Her track record speaks for itself. Activists and Citizens Forum do not have any doubt that Dr. Sisulu will put the interest of the country above party political interests. She will represent the country with honour," Bloem added.

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