In a bid to ease tensions with the United States, South Africa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as its special envoy, tasked with leading negotiations and fostering strategic partnerships between the two nations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as the country’s special envoy to the United States, in an effort to ease tensions between the two nations. The move comes after a series of diplomatic incidents, including the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador from the US.
Jonas, a former deputy finance minister and current chairman of the MTN Group, will serve as the official representative of the president and South Africa. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships, and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote the country’s interests.
Jonas has previously served as one of South Africa’s four investment envoys, appointed in 2018 to encourage foreign companies to invest in the country. During his tenure, he made headlines when he accused a wealthy family linked to former President Jacob Zuma of offering him a bribe to become finance minister.
Mcebisi Jonas is a South African politician and economist who served as the Deputy Minister of Finance from 2014 to 2017.
Born on June 6, 1962, in Umtata, Transkei (now Eastern Cape Province), he holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Fort Hare.
Jonas has extensive experience in public service, having worked as the Director-General of the National Treasury and the Executive Director of the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
The appointment comes after relations between the US and South Africa deteriorated since Donald Trump‘s return as president. The US last month expelled South Africa’s ambassador over remarks Jonas had made about the Trump administration, and Trump has also condemned South Africa for taking Israel to the International Court of Justice.
Trump has cut off aid to South Africa, citing the country’s new Expropriation Law, which allows the government to confiscate land without compensation in certain circumstances. The law has been a source of controversy, with some critics accusing it of perpetuating racial inequality and others arguing that it is necessary to address historical injustices.
Jonas faces several key challenges ahead, including repairing relations with the US, addressing concerns over the Expropriation Law, and promoting South Africa’s interests abroad. The appointment of a special envoy is seen as an important step in this process, but it remains to be seen how effective Jonas will be in achieving these goals.
Jonas has a background in politics and finance, having served as deputy finance minister before being appointed as one of South Africa’s four investment envoys. He is currently an independent non-executive chairman of the MTN Group, which he will continue to lead alongside his appointment as special envoy.
Jonas has been involved in several high-profile incidents in the past, including allegations of corruption against former President Jacob Zuma and the wealthy Gupta family. He made headlines when he accused the Guptas of offering him a bribe to become finance minister, an accusation that was denied by the family.
Jacob Zuma served as the fourth President of South Africa from 2009 to 2018.
Born on April 12, 1942, in KwaZulu-Natal, he rose through the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) and became a key figure in the fight against apartheid.
After Nelson Mandela's retirement, Zuma took office but faced numerous corruption allegations, including the infamous 'State Capture' scandal.
He was eventually ousted as President by his own party in 2018.
Despite these challenges, Jonas is seen as a strong candidate for the role of special envoy, with his experience in politics and finance making him well-suited to navigate the complex web of international relations.
