South Africa aims to repair strained ties with the U.S. by appointing a new ambassador.

South Africa seeks to mend ties with the U.S. as relations strain due to the expulsion of South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool and tensions over the Palestinian cause. President Ramaphosa plans to appoint a new ambassador seen as more pragmatic to improve relations, essential for trade and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) in September. Despite tensions, both countries rely on each other for economic and diplomatic reasons.