SA still to appoint ambassador to US? Ramaphosa’s office clarifies

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The role of South African ambassador to the US remains open.

That’s according to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who was speaking to SABC News after Mcebisi Jonas was announced as special envoy to the US.

‘Urgency’ motivated Ramaphosa to appoint Jonas

“The president has recognised the sense of urgency for us to work on enabling the resetting of the relationship between South Africa and the United States,” said Magwenya.

Although he has not yet appointed an ambassador to the US, President Cyril Ramaphosa wants the special envoy to “accelerate the level of engagement” between South Africa and the US. This follows the expulsion in March of former ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool. Rasool offended the Trump administration when he characterised Trump and his supporters as white supremacists.

The special envoy appointment comes amidst a trade war, with South Africa needing to negotiate tariffs with the US. While Magwenya praised Jonas’ ability to understand the tariff issues (Jonas was previously deputy finance minister), he emphasised the priority was “starting at the basics” and mending diplomatic relations.

Special envoy vs ambassador to the US: What’s the difference?

“The process to appoint an ambassador is a separate process,” added Magwenya. He said, unlike an ambassador, the special envoy to the US would not face as many bureaucratic hurdles in his efforts to represent South Africa. Jonas will report directly to Ramaphosa.

“He will get going with immediate effect,” said Magwenya of Jonas’ expected start date. He emphasised the importance of the relationship between South Africa and the United States.

Jonas is expected to meet with Ramaphosa, the minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and the minister of Trade and Industry. He will also meet with Zane Dangor, the director-general of International Relations and Cooperation, who has recently returned from engagements in the US. Jonas will depart for the United States once these meetings are concluded.

No ambassador to the US amidst diplomatic fallout

Tensions between South Africa and the Trump administration remain high. In February, Trump signed an Executive Order accusing South Africa of genocide against Afrikaners and criticising the country’s foreign policy. Tensions continue to escalate following the expulsion of the ambassador to the US.

And as recently as last Friday, Trump hinted that he would not attend the G20 Heads of State gathering in Johannesburg 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?” Trump posted on his Truth social media platform.