South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the United States, in a bid to restore deteriorating diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The move comes after a marked decline in relations following U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office earlier this year. Washington expelled South Africa’s ambassador and slashed financial assistance, citing disagreements over South Africa’s stance on land reform and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
President Trump has publicly accused South Africa—without presenting evidence—of land seizures and discrimination against “certain classes of people.”
Jonas, who served as deputy finance minister from 2014 to 2017, currently chairs telecoms giant MTN and will retain this position while serving as envoy. According to a statement from the presidency, Jonas is tasked with promoting South Africa’s diplomatic and economic interests, leading negotiations, and strengthening bilateral cooperation with U.S. officials and business leaders.
Although his role differs from that of an ambassador, Jonas will represent President Ramaphosa directly in engagements with the U.S. administration. “The task is challenging,” Jonas acknowledged in a statement from the foreign affairs department, “but I believe we can build on areas of shared interest to reinforce our historic ties.”
A prominent anti-corruption advocate, Jonas gained national attention during the state capture inquiry, where he testified that he was offered a ministerial position and bribes by the Gupta family, close allies of former President Jacob Zuma—allegations both parties deny.