Mcebisi Jonas, current chairman of MTN Group and former South African Deputy Finance Minister (2014-2017), has been appointed as the nation’s Special Envoy to the United States.
Jonas will be tasked with advancing South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities. His role includes leading negotiations, fostering strategic partnerships, and engaging with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote the country’s interests, according to the South African presidential office.
The appointment comes amid strained relations between South Africa and the U.S. following the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Tensions have been fueled by aid cuts linked to Pretoria’s land reforms and its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Relations further soured when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled South Africa’s Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool as “persona non grata,” criticizing him as a “race-baiting politician.” South Africa’s presidency expressed regret over the decision but reaffirmed its commitment to a constructive bilateral relationship.
