South Africa Appoints Special Envoy to the U.S. to Repair Diplomatic Ties

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has named former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the United States to restore relations that have significantly deteriorated under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Since Trump returned to office in January, the U.S. has expelled South Africa’s ambassador and cut financial support. These moves were reportedly in response to South Africa’s stance on land reform and its legal challenge against Israel—one of Washington’s close allies—at the International Court of Justice.

Trump has claimed, without offering proof, that South Africa is seizing land and that certain social groups are being treated unfairly.

Jonas, who served as deputy finance minister from 2014 to 2017, currently chairs the telecommunications company MTN and will continue in that role while taking on his new diplomatic responsibilities.

According to the presidency, Jonas is tasked with promoting South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and strategic interests. He will engage with U.S. officials and business leaders, lead negotiations, and work to strengthen partnerships that support South Africa’s goals.

Although Jonas will serve as President Ramaphosa’s official representative to the U.S. government, his role differs from that of an ambassador.

In a statement released by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Jonas acknowledged the difficulty of the assignment but expressed hope. “I believe that we can find common ground and rebuild the longstanding relationship between our two countries,” he said.

During his time in government, Jonas became known for his anti-corruption stance. He was a key witness in a major inquiry into political interference during Jacob Zuma’s presidency, where he testified that the Gupta brothers—close allies of Zuma—offered him a powerful position and a large bribe. Both Zuma and the Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.

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