President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as his Special Envoy to the United States of America, serving as the official representative of the President and the government of the Republic of South Africa.
In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships, and engage with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote the nation’s interests.
In his statement, read by the President’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the President said South Africa is committed to advancing its interests:
“This appointment underscores Jonas’ distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing South Africa’s national and economic interests.”
Jonas served as one of four Presidential Investment Envoys appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa. Currently, he holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the MTN Group, a role he will maintain alongside his responsibilities as the President’s Special Envoy.
The appointment comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express doubts about the participation of the U.S. delegation in the Group of 20 meetings in South Africa.
Trump described the G20 meeting as “very important.” He coupled this endorsement with unfounded allegations concerning violence against white farmers and land confiscation in South Africa.
“For decades, South Africa and the United States of America have maintained a historical and strategic relationship. In the interest of our country, our region, and the rest of our continent, President Ramaphosa remains 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,” Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, the opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has slammed Trump for citing South Africa’s policies as a reason to potentially skip the upcoming G20 summit.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party welcomed the possibility of Trump’s absence:
“His non-attendance would be an opportunity for the leading nations of the world to consolidate an economic recovery plan that does not rely on the US dollar and is welcomed. But it is clear that he fears facing his counterparts following his humiliating tariff stunt,” he said.
Speaking to News Central, political analyst Dr Gideon Chitanga stated that the Trump administration harbours hostility toward South Africa:
“The Trump administration does not like the South African government and its policies, so they are reluctant to be part of the G20, basically centred on that. And this is not surprising, as it is just an indication of contradictions of policies between Washington and Pretoria,” Chitanga added.
Relations between South Africa and its second-largest trading partner have soured since Trump accused the nation of unlawfully seizing land from the white minority. However, since the end of apartheid, South Africa has not confiscated any private land.
South Africa will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, where it is expected to hand over the presidency to the U.S. However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in February skipped a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers in Cape Town. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also skipped a foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg.
