April 14, 2025
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced he has chosen former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as his Special Envoy to the United States.
In his new role, Jonas will serve as the official South African government and presidential representative to the U.S. responsible for advancing the nation’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities, including leading negotiations, fostering strategic partnerships, and engaging with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote South Africa’s interests.
Jonas’s appointment as Special Envoy comes as diplomatic and trade tensions heighten between the two countries as President Donald Trump doubled down on his criticisms of South Africa new’s Land Expropriation Act, which he says unfairly mistreats White South African farmers.
Jonas, who currently serves on one of Africa’s biggest mobile telecommunication firms, MTN Group, as an Independent Non-Executive Chairman, previously served as one of four Presidential Investment Envoys appointed by Ramaphosa in 2018 to boost investments into South Africa.
The announcement said he will keep his current role on MTN Group while also carrying out his new responsibilities as Special Envoy to the U.S.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa said the appointment underscores his distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing South Africa’s national and economic interests.
“For decades, South Africa and the United States of America have maintained a historical and strategic relationship. In the interest of our country, our region and the rest of our continent, I remain committed to rebuilding and maintaining this relationship for more decades on the basis of mutual respect, recognition of each other’s sovereignty and benefit for our respective peoples.”
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