CAPE TOWN- Former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool is set to return on Sunday. His expulsion from the US has deepened tensions between Pretoria and Washington.
He was declared persona non grata and was expelled from Washington last week for comments he made about Donald Trump.
READ: Final day for Rasool in US soil as America sends him packing
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lambasted Rasool for comments made on a webinar.
He slammed Rasool as a 'race-baiting politician' who is no longer welcome in the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged political parties to avoid actions that could further strain diplomatic ties.
Marius Fransman, a former ANC leader has worked closely with Rasool in the Western Cape.
READ: Mkhabela weighs in on Ebrahim Rasool expulsion from US
He says Rasool had no choice but to voice out his frustrations as he was no longer welcomed or invited for diplomatic functions and other events around Trump being sworn into office.
Fransman also blames AfriForum and Solidarity for approaching the Trump administration with South Africa issues that needed to be addressed internally