Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

South Africa Appoints Mcebisi Jonas as U.S. Special Envoy to Rebuild Relations

The move follows the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador and aims to address tensions over land reform and foreign policy disputes.

Expelled South Africa Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool speaks to supporters upon his arrival at Cape Town International Airport, in Cape Town, South Africa, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht)
President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
President Donald Trump gestures to the crowd as he departs after welcoming the 2025 College Football National Champions, the Ohio State University football team, during an event on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, April 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Image

Overview

  • South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has named former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the United States to lead efforts to restore diplomatic and economic ties.
  • The appointment comes after the U.S. expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March, citing controversial remarks about President Donald Trump and domestic U.S. politics.
  • Relations between the two nations have worsened over U.S. criticism of South Africa's land expropriation laws and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
  • Jonas, who is also the chairman of MTN Group, is known for his anti-corruption stance and previously served as a presidential investment envoy in 2018.
  • South Africa aims to rebuild its historical strategic partnership with the U.S. and address shared priorities through Jonas' engagement with U.S. officials and private-sector leaders.