Jonas vows to boost SA–US ties as Ramaphosa’s envoy
Former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas has promised to give his all as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s newly appointed Special Envoy to the United States.
Jonas will serve as the President’s official representative in Washington at a time when relations between South Africa and the US face several challenges—among them, disagreements over trade, foreign policy, and South Africa’s positions on global conflicts.
Tensions escalated after President Ramaphosa signed the controversial Expropriation Act into law, drawing backlash from US President Donald Trump’s administration.
The move sparked aid cuts and accusations that the South African government was targeting white farmers.
The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, and the government is eager to protect that economic relationship.
Differences over South Africa’s foreign policy have also contributed to strained ties, particularly the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza.
During his State of the Nation Address in February, Ramaphosa announced that he would be deploying envoys to countries like the US to clarify South Africa’s policies and counter misinformation campaigns.
One of those campaigns, the government says, falsely claims that land is being taken from white farmers and that Afrikaners are being marginalised.
Jonas’s appointment comes as the government continues to search for a permanent replacement for former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled from the US in March.
In a statement issued through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Jonas acknowledged the complex nature of his assignment.
"I would like to thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for entrusting me with this important but challenging role.
"I will do my best to promote a healthy working relationship between South Africa and the United States.”
"I am fully cognisant of the difficulties that lie ahead, considering recent global developments. However, I believe that areas of commonality and mutual interest can be embraced to reaffirm the long-standing ties between our two countries," said Jonas.
He appealed to South Africans to be patient as he engages with US officials and stakeholders, adding that any updates on his work would be communicated through the Presidency and DIRCO.
Ramaphosa has described Jonas as a seasoned leader who served as one of four Presidential Investment Envoys appointed in 2018 to attract global investment into South Africa.
He also noted Jonas’s extensive experience in government, finance, and diplomacy—skills that will be key in reshaping Pretoria’s relationship with Washington.
Jonas will continue in his role as Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the MTN Group while carrying out his envoy duties.
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