South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the United States, in a strategic move aimed at mending and strengthening relations between Pretoria and Washington.
The announcement was made on Monday by Ramaphosa’s office, which said Jonas will be responsible for advancing South Africa’s diplomatic and economic interests in the U.S.
“Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa’s diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities,” the presidency said in a statement.
“He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests.”
Jonas, who served as deputy finance minister from 2014 to 2017, currently holds the position of independent non-executive chairman of MTN Group, one of Africa’s largest telecommunications firms. He is expected to continue in that role alongside his new diplomatic assignment.
The appointment comes at a time of heightened tension between South Africa and the United States following President Donald Trump’s return to office in January. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated, with Washington cutting financial aid to South Africa and expelling its ambassador in March. The U.S. cited disapproval of South Africa’s land reform policies and its genocide case against Israel, a key American ally, at the International Court of Justice.
Jonas is widely known for his firm stance against corruption during his time in government. He was a key figure in the judicial inquiry into state capture during former president Jacob Zuma’s administration.
He famously told the inquiry that he had been offered the position of finance minister and large sums of money by the controversial Gupta brothers, close allies of Zuma at the time. Both Zuma and the Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.
Jonas’s appointment is being seen as an effort by Ramaphosa to re-establish trust and dialogue with Washington, leveraging the former minister’s experience, integrity, and international networks.
