JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s special envoy to the United States, in a bid to repair diplomatic relations strained since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.
The White House expelled South Africa’s ambassador and slashed financial aid following disputes over Pretoria’s land reform agenda and its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Trump accused South Africa, without offering evidence, of land seizures and mistreatment of “certain classes of people.”
Announced on Monday, Jonas’ new role comes as tensions continue to mount between the two nations. While he will not be replacing the expelled ambassador, Jonas will represent Ramaphosa and the South African government in key discussions with the US administration, focusing on diplomacy, trade, and investment.
According to the presidency, Jonas is expected to lead talks, build new alliances, and engage both US government officials and business leaders. He will remain chairman of telecoms group MTN, a post he has held since leaving government in 2017.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation issued a statement quoting Jonas as saying the job ahead “will not be easy,” but added that there are “areas of mutual interest” that can serve as a foundation to rebuild the long-standing partnership.
Jonas gained prominence for his role in exposing corruption under former President Jacob Zuma. He testified at a national commission of inquiry that he was offered the role of finance minister and millions of rand in bribes by the controversial Gupta family — allegations both Zuma and the Guptas denied.
