Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas.
Image: File picture: Simone Kley
A MAMMOTH task awaits Mcebisi Jonas who has been entrusted with the responsibility of mending the severely fractured SA-US relations following his appointment as Special Envoy to that country.
The former deputy finance minister’s appointment comes at a time when US president Donald Trump has waged “a war” against the country, cutting aid funding and falsely claiming that white people were being persecuted.
The US last month expelled SA's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, over remarks he had made about the Trump administration.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, on Monday clarified that Jonas would not be serving as an ambassador but as a special envoy, focused on advancing SA's diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities.
Magwenya also confirmed that Ramaphosa was still deciding who he should appoint as ambassador.
"There is a distinct difference between an ambassador and a special envoy. A special envoy is not burdened with bureaucratic aspects. He reports directly to the president, working closely with stakeholders on specific issues," Magwenya explained.
He, however, conceded that there are no timelines as to when Jonas will be heading to Washington or any outcomes of his engagements.
“We cannot commit to any timelines... it is a process. It's something that we have also said before, that he will be immediately engaging various internal stakeholders within the government,” Magwenya said.
The presidency has confirmed that Jonas will consult with former Rasool before undertaking any visit to the US.
Announcing the appointment on Monday, Ramaphosa in a statement said Jonas would lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships, and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote South Africa's interests.
“He will work closely with Minister (Ronald) Lamola and interact with other stakeholders, including business people who recently visited Washington,” the Presidency said.
Jonas, following the announcement by Ramaphosa, accepted the appointment, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
"I would like to thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for entrusting me with this important but challenging role. I will do my best to promote a healthy working relationship between SA and the United States," Jonas said.
He acknowledged the need for patience and time to engage fully with different stakeholders in the US and South Africa.
“There are no quick fixes in such a complex situation. 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 US and SA,” Jonas said.
In a statement, the ANC expressed confidence in Jonas, saying he will promote the country’s priorities including trade, investment, technology exchange, and youth development.The party said his credentials reflected an unwavering commitment to South Africa's constitutional democracy, economic renewal, and global cooperation.
“His prior service as Deputy Minister of Finance and as one of President Ramaphosa's Investment Envoys has demonstrated his capacity to advance South Africa's developmental agenda and inspire investor confidence,” the party said.
The GOOD Party also welcomed Jonas' appointment, praising his integrity and competence.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe noted that Jonas is a seasoned politician with extensive experience, although he cautioned that Jonas' earlier description of Trump as a "racist homophobe" might complicate his appointment.Sandile Swana, another political analyst, believes Ramaphosa made the right call in appointing Jonas as a special envoy. Jonas is currently an independent non-executive chairman of multinational telco, MTN Group.
Cape Times