Mcebisi Jonas is South Africa’s new special envoy to the United States. The announcement was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a statement on Monday, 14 April.
Special envoy to the US will officially represent South Africa
According to the Presidency, as special envoy to the US, Jonas will be the official representative of the president and the government of South Africa. He will “lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US.government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests”.
Jonas’ appointment comes weeks after Ebrahim Rasool was axed as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, over comments perceived by the US to be anti-American.
Mcebisi Jonas is the former deputy minister of finance. He was also one of four Presidential Investment Envoys appointed by Ramaphosa in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa.
Jonas is currently the independent non-executive chairman of the MTN Group, a role he will continue in alongside his responsibilities as special envoy to the US.
Ramaphosa could still appoint an ambassador, as it seems special envoys are temporary by nature. In his book on diplomatic communication, G. R. Berridge (professor emeritus of international politics at the University of Leicester) describes special envoys as temporary and focused on a particular issue.
The South African has contacted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in an attempt to get clarification about the ambassadorial implications of Jonas being appointed. This article will be updated once a response is received.
Ramaphosa reaffirms commitment to US-SA relationship
In his statement about the new special envoy, Ramaphosa detailed the importance of South Africa’s relationship with the United States.
He said: “In the interest of our country, our region and the rest of our continent, I remain committed to rebuilding and maintaining this relationship for more decades on the basis of mutual respect, recognition of each other’s sovereignty and benefit for our respective peoples.”
Jonas’ appointment comes amidst a current global trade war and South Africa is expected to negotiate tariffs with the Trump administration in the coming months.
Relations between South Africa and the United States have been tested in recent times, with US President Donald Trump issuing an Executive Order criticising South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy in February.
Trump to miss G20 meeting?
As recently as this past Friday, he implied that he would not be coming to Johannesburg later this year for the G20 meeting.
“How could we be expected to go to South Africa for the very important G20 Meeting when Land confiscation and genocide is the primary topic of conversation?” Trump posted on his Truth social media platform.
South Africa holds the presidency of the G20 until 30 November 2025.
Will special envoy Mcebisi Jonas improve US-SA relations?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
