Solomon says the appointment of Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the US is strategic given the turbulent relations between Washington and Pretoria.
Sanet Solomon, a political analyst from the University of Free State (UFS), says despite the controversy surrounding the appointment of former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the United States (US), he is the right man for the job.
On Monday, the Presidency announced Jonas’s new role in international politics. He is tasked with resetting relations with the Donald Trump administration after months of tense relations between the US and South Africa.
However, a recording has since resurfaced on social media where Jonas described Trump as a “racist” and a “homophobe”.
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Mcebisi Jonas can weather diplomatic storm
This has left many South Africans wondering if Jonas will suffer the same fate as Ebrahim Rasool, the former ambassador to the US.
Rasool was declared an undesirable person in the US after he criticised Trump, saying he is leading a white supremacist movement.
However, Solomon said Jonas has the ability to weather the diplomatic storm between Washington and Pretoria.
“Given a possible cold welcome, someone with Jones’ qualities would be best suited as they would focus on the country’s best interest without being offended by the lack of hospitality from the US.
“As a seasoned leader, he is unlikely to make a faux pas that would indefinitely destroy the country’s bilateral trade with the US,” Solomon said.
SA policies still a problem to Trump administration
However, Solomon said it will be difficult for Jonas to repair South Africa’s relationship with the US.
But she said his appointment starts the process to smooth things over.
“It is unlikely that this envoy would be able to undo and reset relations between the US and South Africa immediately.
“It has the ability to attempt to remedy current tensions and reach possible concessions.”
Solomon said current governmental policies, such as the Expropriation Act and other laws that are perceived to be racist, could be a bone of contention between the two countries.
“This raises an interesting question on how far South Africa would be willing to go to restore its relationship with the US and whether a foreign power should have such a major impact on domestic affairs,” she said.
Will Jonas be the next ambassador?
Meanwhile, Solomon said there was a good chance that Jonas could be appointed as the next ambassador to the US.
“There is a possibility that Jonas could become the next South African ambassador to the US. The ANC could just be testing the waters at this time to see how the US responds to him before making any announcements,” she said.
Negotiating trade deals
She added that Jonas’s experience in finance also makes him a good candidate to handle trade engagements with the US.
“His governmental experience (as a member of the 2018 presidential investment envoy and former deputy finance minister) would also assist him in facilitating trade engagements and strengthening bilateral ties.
“This is greatly needed given the current US tariff wars,” she said.
Trump attacks continue
Meanwhile, Trump has continued to attack South Africa on social media.
In a recent social media post over the weekend, Trump indicated that he might not attend the G20 summit, which will be held in South Africa later this year.
“How could we be expected to go to South Africa for the very important G20 meeting when land confiscation and genocide is the primary topic of conversation? They are taking the land of white farmers, and then killing them and their families. The media refuses to report on this,” he said.
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