Mcebisi Jonas Appointed as US Envoy but Faces Potential Diplomatic Tensions Over Past Trump Remarks

(The Post News)- Mcebisi Jonas, South Africa’s newly appointed Special Envoy to the United States, is stepping into the role under a cloud of controversy, as conservative American media revisit his past remarks critical of US President Donald Trump.

Jonas’s appointment was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this week. But even before Jonas packs for Washington, old remarks he made about US President Donald Trump are already stirring diplomatic waters, with some conservative American outlets questioning whether his appointment will help or hinder already strained ties between the two countries.

Ramaphosa said Jonas will serve as his official representative to the US, tasked with strengthening trade, diplomatic, and bilateral priorities. In a statement released by the Presidency on Monday, Ramaphosa said Jonas would “lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests.”

The President praised Jonas’ credentials, calling his appointment a reflection of “his distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing South Africa’s national and economic interests.” Jonas will continue to serve as the independent non-executive chairman of MTN Group while taking up the envoy post. He previously served as Deputy Finance Minister and was one of four Presidential Investment Envoys appointed in 2018 to attract foreign investment.

But despite his political and corporate experience, Jonas may face a frosty reception in Washington. Conservative news sites in the US, including Breitbart and National Review, have revisited a speech he gave in 2020 where he sharply criticised then-President Trump. In an address to the Ahmad Kathrada Foundation, Jonas described Trump as a “racist,” “homophobe,” and “narcissistic right-winger” and questioned how a figure like Trump had risen to lead “the world’s greatest economic and military powerhouse.”

Michael Walsh, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, told Business Report that Jonas’ appointment comes with risks for the Ramaphosa administration. “The appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas could be a double-edged sword for US-South Africa relations,” said Walsh. “On the one hand, Mr Jonas is a well-known proponent of democratic institutions and critic of state capture. On the other hand, his public remarks about President Trump may be seen in Washington as provocative, and potentially damaging.” Walsh also pointed to wider issues in the bilateral relationship, such as perceptions of foreign policy misalignment and concerns over South Africa’s ties with countries like Iran, where MTN has business interests.

https://africannewsagency.com/mcebisi-jonas-takes-up-us-envoy-role-but-faces-potential-diplomatic-hurdles/

Closer to home, the appointment has been welcomed by business leaders. Dr Stavros Nicolaou, who leads the trade portfolio on the South Africa BRICS Business Council, told SABC that Jonas’ blend of political and business acumen made him a strong candidate for the role. “You’ve got a political perspective and a trade perspective, and the two are intertwined,” said Nicolaou. “Jonas understands both. He’s chaired listed companies, he’s been in government, he’s a good choice.”