TOUGH GIG: Mcebisi Jonas is SA's new Special Envoy to the USA
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Former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas has been appointed as the country's Special Envoy to the United States of America.
His appointment comes following Ebrahim Rasool's controversial expulsion by Donald Trump’s administration last month.
In a statement on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Jonas served as one of four Presidential Investment Envoys that he appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa.
Having worked in the government under Jacob Zuma (from 2014-17), Jonas brings extensive experience to his new diplomatic role.
Ramaphosa adds: “Concurrently, he holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the MTN Group, a role he will maintain alongside his responsibilities as my Special Envoy.
“This appointment underscores his distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing South Africa’s national and economic interests.
“For decades, South Africa and the United States of America have maintained a historical and strategic relationship.
“In the interest of our country, our region and the rest of our continent, I remain committed to rebuilding and maintaining this relationship for more decades on the basis of mutual respect, recognition of each other’s sovereignty and benefit for our respective peoples.”
Mcebisi has his work cut out for him as he faces a hostile Trump, who last week launched an attack against SA’s G20 presidency for 2025.
He posted on Truth Social: “They are taking the land of white farmers, and then killing them and their families. The media refuses to report on this. The United States has held back all contributions to South Africa. Is this where we want to be for the G20? I don’t think so!”
Om die pap nog dikker aan te maak, the EFF hit back at Trump after using a video of leader Julius Malema singing “Kill The Boer” as proof of political attacks on Afrikaners.
They said in a statement: “As the EFF we would like to tell the tariff-wielding barbarian that he will be lucky to president of the USA by the time the G20 Summit occurs in SA following his recklessness and economic illiteracy which has plunged the US into a recession and launched them into a trade war with Europe and China.”