Newly-appointed South Africa’s Special Envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, is tasked with a heavy responsibility to try and mend rapidly deteriorating ties between Pretoria and Washington.
However, before he gets down to business, Jonas has to navigate a challenge involving the remarks attributed to him about US President Donald Trump.
In defence, Jonas has explained that his previous remarks against Trump should be understood in the context that he was speaking in 2020 as an activist. His remarks have resurfaced, bringing the former finance deputy minister under scrutiny for referring to Trump as "a racist, homophobic and narcissistic right-winger".
IOL reported on Monday that a US foreign policy expert has warned that Jonas could face the same treatment that former South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, was subjected to as a result of his comments on Trump.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently booted Rassol out of the country, declaring him “persona non grata” following his comments made in a webinar, criticising the Trump administration.
To fill the void left by Rasool, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced the appointment of Jonas as the Special Envoy to the US, serving as the official representative of the President and the Government of South Africa.
In an interview with Radio 702, Jonas was asked about his previous assertions on Trump. He responded: “I guess I must put that in context. At the time, I was outside of government, at the time I was speaking as an activist. I mean, people move on and confront the challenges of the time.
“I am sure if you Google any politician, they have said some nasty things about one politician or the other. The reality of the matter is that the challenge that we all face, and the task at hand, is to work on the relations between the two countries. Firstly, I am committed to doing that, but secondly, I have the backing of the government and South Africans in general,” Jonas told the radio station in an interview.
Jonas served as one of four Presidential Investment Envoys that Ramaphosa appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa. This week, Ramaphosa said in his new capacity, Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa's diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests.
Political analysts assert that former deputy minister Jonas’s background equips him with the essential experience needed to navigate the complex political landscape in the US, amid US-South Africa tensions.
The appointment of Joana comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, particularly in light of a recent US funding freeze, a 90-day suspension of a 30% tariff on South African goods, and the US's decision to boycott the G20 summit, currently chaired by South Africa.
Independent political analysts, including Dr Metji Makgoba, a senior lecturer at the University of Limpopo, said that given the deteriorating state of relations, it is prudent for South Africa to appoint someone with strong leadership skills and financial acumen.
However, Makgoba expressed scepticism about Jonas's ability to manage the challenges posed by the Trump administration.
“A kind of madness has characterised Trump's approach, and America is currently engaged in a strategy of global distraction. This complicates Jonas' mission, as he will have to contend not only with the president’s unpredictable behaviour but also with a narrative that claims South African whites are victims of marginalisation."
Jonas's tasks in the US will be crucial for mending ties between the two countries. His role will involve addressing the impact of US tariffs on South African exports, which have further strained economic relations.
Recently, the US imposed tariffs of up to 32% on certain steel and aluminium products from South Africa, citing national security concerns related to the weakening US economy.
Additionally, agricultural products, particularly citrus fruits and wine, have faced increased scrutiny, resulting in 10% tariffs.
Among other challenges is the US's decision to boycott the G20 summit, chaired by South Africa in 2025. This decision stems from dissatisfaction with South Africa's stance on several global issues, including its relationships with countries like China and Russia.
The ANC welcomed the appointment, asserting that it reaffirms South Africa’s strategic intent to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations.
However, not everybody is convinced that Jonas is the right candidate.
Lobby groups Solidarity and AfriForum have been outspoken in their opposition to Jonas' appointment as Special US envoy.
Chief executive of AfriForum Kallie Kriel brought up Jonas' speech on the 11th Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Annual Lecture, in which the former deputy finance minister criticised Trump.
Kriel asked on X: "Here, Mr Mcebisi Jonas, South Africa's new Special Envoy to the United States of America, insults President @realDonaldTrump. Given these remarks, do you think Jonas will be able to mend the shaky relationship between South Africa and the Trump administration?"
In the speech, Jonas called Trump a racist, homophobic narcissist. These remarks have been used to tear down his mission to mend relations with the US.
Recently, IOL reported that US right-wing publications Breitbart and National Review have dug up Jonas' past comments, questioning his suitability for the role.
These publications are known supporters of Trump's Republican Party and have been critical of SA's relations with the US.
The usually outspoken Trump and the US government have not yet officially indicated their position on Jonas' appointment.
At the same time, Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, downplayed Jonas' utterances, saying he was speaking in his private capacity.
"There is a distinct difference between Rasool and Jonas. Rasool made assertions when he was on SA official business while Jonas was not," Magwenya said.
International Relations expert Dr. Rich Mashimbye noted that the Trump administration's hostility towards SA is driven by right-wing groups and influential individuals like Elon Musk, who have direct access to the White House.
"These organisations and individuals have been feeding Trump lies about SA's economic transformation journey, and Trump's speeches on SA have been filled with phrases that include 'white genocide' and 'land grabs'. - Additional Reporting by: Jonisayi Maromo, Thabo Makwakwa and Mashudu Sadike
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