SOUTH Africa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as its special envoy to the United States in a bid to de-escalate diplomatic tensions that have worsened since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment, stating that Jonas will be tasked with advancing South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral interests in Washington and beyond.
‘He will serve as the official representative of the President and the Republic of South Africa,’ read a statement from the presidency, adding that Jonas will lead high-level engagements with US government officials and private sector stakeholders.
The move follows a dramatic downturn in relations, particularly after the US expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, last month over remarks critical of Trump’s policies. The incident has further strained ties already under pressure from diverging positions on key international issues.
Land reform and Israel drive diplomatic rift
One major flashpoint has been South Africa’s new Expropriation Law, which permits land seizures without compensation under specific conditions. The law, a cornerstone of the government’s long-promised land reform agenda, has drawn condemnation from Trump, who cut off certain aid channels earlier this year in protest.
Tensions have also been stoked by South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel denies the allegations, and Trump has openly criticised Pretoria’s stance, labelling it as antagonistic and unjustified.
In a social media post over the weekend, Trump reiterated his decision to boycott the G20 Summit, due to be hosted in South Africa later this year, citing the land policy and the ICJ filing as primary reasons for his absence.
Jonas brings credibility, private sector ties
Mcebisi Jonas is a seasoned politician and businessman who brings significant experience to the role. He previously served as Deputy Finance Minister and is currently the independent non-executive chair of telecoms giant MTN Group. Ramaphosa confirmed that Jonas will continue in this corporate role while serving as special envoy.
He is also known for his role in exposing state capture. In 2015, Jonas made headlines by alleging that the controversial Gupta family—close allies of former President Jacob Zuma—offered him a bribe to take up the post of Finance Minister. His revelations became central to the country’s anti-corruption reckoning and the broader Zondo Commission investigations.
Jonas was one of four investment envoys appointed by Ramaphosa in 2018 to help attract international capital into South Africa. His diplomatic appointment signals a shift towards repairing trust with international allies at a time when Pretoria is navigating increasingly complex geopolitical waters.
Soft diplomacy in a hardening world
The South African government has indicated it will dispatch envoys to several key global capitals, with the United States being a priority. The decision reflects a broader strategic pivot aimed at explaining and defending Pretoria’s policies on land, justice, and international law in a more proactive and credible manner.
A senior government official said the goal is not only to de-escalate political tension but also to secure continued trade, security cooperation, and investment in an environment that has become increasingly volatile.
While relations between Washington and Pretoria have long experienced ups and downs, the recent breakdown under Trump’s renewed leadership appears especially severe. Analysts suggest the selection of Jonas—who combines political integrity with business acumen—is intended to rebuild those bridges swiftly and convincingly.
