South Africa has appointed former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as its special envoy to the United States. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment on Thursday, tasking Jonas with advancing South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities amid strained relations with Washington following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Jonas’s selection comes at a critical juncture. Last month, the US expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, after he made disparaging remarks about the Trump administration. The diplomatic fallout deepened after President Trump cut off aid to South Africa, citing the country’s controversial Expropriation Law, which allows for land confiscation without compensation in some cases. Trump also declared he would boycott the 2025 G20 Summit, scheduled to be hosted in South Africa, calling the land policy “a threat to property rights and global stability.”
Additionally, South Africa’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza has further soured relations, with Trump publicly condemning Pretoria’s actions.
Jonas is no stranger to high-stakes diplomacy. Known for his integrity, he rose to prominence in 2016 when he exposed an attempted bribe by the Gupta family close allies of former President Jacob Zuma who offered him 600 million rand to take over the finance ministry and advance their business interests. His refusal and subsequent testimony became pivotal in South Africa’s reckoning with state capture.
Currently serving as the independent non-executive chairman of MTN Group, Jonas brings with him extensive experience in both public service and international business. He previously served as one of South Africa’s investment envoys, appointed in 2018 to attract foreign capital.
Ramaphosa’s office stated that Jonas will represent the president directly and lead negotiations to rebuild trust with the US. His role includes fostering partnerships with both government officials and private sector leaders in America.
This appointment is part of a broader initiative by Ramaphosa to re-engage global allies and clarify South Africa’s stance on contentious issues, in hopes of mending fractured international relationships.
