Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as Special Envoy to the United States of America.
“I hereby announce the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as my Special Envoy to the United States of America, serving as the official representative of the President and the government of the Republic of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Monday, (14 April 2025).
“In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa’s diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities.
“He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests.
“An eminent South African leader, Mr Jonas served as one of four Presidential Investment Envoys that I appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment into South Africa.”
As a former Deputy Finance Minister of South Africa, Mr Jonas brings extensive governmental experience to his new diplomatic role.
Concurrently, he holds the position of Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the MTN Group, a role he will maintain alongside his responsibilities as my Special Envoy.
“This appointment underscores his distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing South Africa’s national and economic interests,” President Ramaphosa said.
“For decades, South Africa and the United States of America have maintained a historical and strategic relationship.
“In the interest of our country, our region and the rest of our continent, I remain committed to rebuilding and maintaining this relationship for more decades on the basis of mutual respect, recognition of each other’s sovereignty and benefit for our respective peoples.”
Commenting on his appointment as Special Envoy to the United States of America, Jonas said: “I would like to thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for entrusting me with this important but challenging role.
“I will do my best to promote a healthy working relationship between South Africa and the United States.
“I am fully cognisant of the difficulties that lie ahead, considering recent global developments.
“However, I believe that areas of commonality and mutual interest could be embraced to reaffirm the long-standing ties between our two countries.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Jonas said there were no quick fixes in such a complex situation.
“I appeal that, in the national interest, South Africans exercise patience and allow us time and space to engage fully with different stakeholders in the United States and South Africa,” said Jonas the former deputy minister of finance.
“Any updates relating to our work will be communicated via the Presidency and Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa.”
