Businessman and CAF President Patrice Motsepe reportedly joined Mcebisi Jonas and Zane Dangor on a diplomatic trip to Qatar.
Businessman Patrice Motsepe is said to have played a role in smoothing over South Africa’s relationship with the United States.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared his delegation’s visit to Washington D.C a success, despite a flashpoint moment in the Oval Office.
Minster of Trade and Industry Parks Tau spoke positively of the trade negotiations, while Motsepe was reportedly part of a delegation in the Middle East prior to the US visit.
Help from Qatar
In the lead up to the meeting between Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump, Motsepe reportedly joined Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas and G20 Sherpa Zane Dangor in Qatar.
The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that Jonas had held talks with officials of other nations prior to South Africa’s delegation leaving for the US.
“Mr. Jonas contributed to preparatory engagements ahead of the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump, including consultations abroad,” The Presidency stated.
The delegation in the Middle East are believed to have asked the Qatari government for assistance in swaying US opinions, as Trump recently had a positive engagement with the nation.
Motsepe’s presence was considered valuable as he and his wife move in the “same social circles” as the US President.
“It is not the first time that he had been roped in to assist and smooth things over. He went with the president when he had his state visit to the UAE,” a source told the Sunday Times.
“The aim was for him to do the groundwork, just like Mcebisi. It’s important that when we have that meeting, the people in the room are not hostile to our proposals,” the source stated.
Motsepe for president?
There have been suggestions that the Confederation of African Football president could be lining up a switch from sport to political leadership.
Motsepe’s international respect, statesmanlike demeanour and familiarity with the ANC has some pushing for the move.
“Motsepe is a man of the people. He always shares his wealth, unlike other billionaires in the party,” Unity-22 leader Emmanuel Makgoga previously told The Citizen.
“We believe with Motsepe at the helm, the ANC will go back to its former glory and lead this country again without any form of coalition,” he added.
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