JOHANNESBURG, April 14 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s special envoy to the United States, tasking him with rebuilding frayed diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
The move comes after a significant downturn in relations under U.S. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January. Washington expelled South Africa’s ambassador and slashed financial assistance, citing Pretoria’s stance on land reform and its legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Trump has publicly criticized South Africa’s land policies, claiming without evidence that land is being “confiscated” and that “certain classes of people” are treated “very badly.”
Jonas, who served as deputy finance minister from 2014 to 2017, currently chairs the MTN Group, one of Africa’s largest telecommunications companies. He will maintain that position while assuming his new diplomatic role.
According to a statement from the presidency, Jonas will represent the South African government in high-level talks with U.S. officials and business leaders. His role includes negotiating trade matters, developing strategic partnerships, and advancing South Africa’s diplomatic objectives. Unlike an ambassador, his post is focused on direct political engagement and relationship repair at the highest levels.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) released a separate statement from Jonas, who acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed hope for renewed cooperation.
“There are shared interests between our nations that can be nurtured to restore our long-standing relationship,” he said.
Jonas rose to prominence as a vocal opponent of corruption within the South African government and was a key figure in the state capture inquiry. During testimony, he revealed that the Gupta brothers—close allies of former president Jacob Zuma—had offered him the finance minister post along with large bribes. Both Zuma and the Guptas denied any wrongdoing.
