President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s Special Envoy to the United States, a high-stakes diplomatic role intended to restore strained relations between Pretoria and Washington.
Jonas, a respected anti-corruption figure and current MTN Group chairperson, has been tasked with a multifaceted diplomatic mission that includes rebuilding trust with the U.S. government, boosting bilateral trade, securing strategic investment, and promoting South Africa’s foreign policy priorities. His role, while unofficially replacing the expelled ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, is critical as South Africa tries to navigate a period of political tension and economic uncertainty in its relationship with the United States.
What Is the Role of a Special Envoy to the U.S.?
As Special Envoy, Jonas will serve as the President’s personal representative to the U.S. administration, engaging directly with American policymakers, lawmakers, think tanks, investors, and diplomats. His job is not ceremonial — it is strategic and executive in nature.
According to the Presidency, Jonas is expected to:
- Lead high-level diplomatic engagements with the U.S. government on behalf of the South African presidency.
- Articulate and advance South Africa’s economic, political, and security priorities in Washington.
- Secure foreign direct investment, particularly from U.S.-based corporations and financial institutions.
- Rebuild trust and cooperation between South Africa and the U.S. following disagreements over global policy issues.
- Facilitate public diplomacy efforts by improving South Africa’s image among U.S. stakeholders.
- Ensure South Africa’s inclusion in key global trade and development initiatives, such as AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act).
“There are no quick fixes in such a complex situation,” Jonas said in a statement. “I appeal that, in the national interest, South Africans exercise patience and allow us time and space to engage fully with different stakeholders in the United States and South Africa.”
A Diplomatic Crisis in Context
Jonas’s appointment comes in the aftermath of Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion from Washington, after controversial remarks he made about former U.S. President Donald Trump. This triggered backlash from far-right media and culminated in the Trump administration expelling Rasool and cutting certain development aid to South Africa.
The deterioration in relations has been compounded by South Africa’s non-aligned foreign policy stance, particularly in the Israel-Gaza conflict, and its decision to pursue legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice. These moves drew criticism from Washington, prompting what analysts have called the “worst breakdown in U.S.-SA relations since the end of apartheid.”
Jonas’s mission is to reverse this trend and re-establish dialogue at the highest levels, while also countering growing narratives in American political circles that paint South Africa as hostile to Western interests.
A Skilled Negotiator with Global Credibility
Jonas is no stranger to political complexity. As Deputy Finance Minister (2014–2017), he gained international respect for his whistleblowing role during the state capture scandal, revealing that he had been offered a bribe by the Gupta family to take over the finance ministry.
He now brings that reputation for integrity and reform to a diplomatic role requiring both credibility and nuance.
“Jonas is a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of both the public and private sector. His role as Special Envoy is not just about diplomacy — it’s about building economic partnerships that can benefit South Africa’s development goals,” said one senior official in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
His dual background in government and business — including as the current chairman of MTN Group — gives him direct access to global corporate networks, making him a valuable intermediary for investment diplomacy.
Challenges Ahead and Domestic Scrutiny
However, the appointment has not been free of controversy. A video resurfaced recently in which Jonas described Donald Trump as “a racist, homophobic, and narcissistic right-winger.” The clip has reignited criticism from conservative American media and raised concerns that Jonas may face resistance in some political circles in Washington.
Despite this, the Presidency insists he remains the right person for the job.
“Jonas’s primary mission is to serve the national interest. He has the full confidence of the President,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Diplomacy with a Deadline
Mcebisi Jonas steps into this role at a pivotal moment. With South Africa’s eligibility under AGOA up for renewal, a stagnating economy, and global alliances shifting, his success or failure could significantly shape the country’s international standing and access to foreign investment in the years ahead.
For now, all eyes are on Washington — and on whether Jonas can deliver.
