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South Africa’s new special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, is determined to mend the soured relationship between the two countries, despite past comments in which he criticized President Donald Trump. Jonas, a former deputy finance minister and whistleblower against government corruption, has been tasked with “resetting” ties after the White House cut aid to South Africa and expelled its previous ambassador.
In his first international media interview, Jonas acknowledged that repairing relations would not be easy and would require both time and space. He emphasized the complexity of the situation and the need for a strategic approach to rebuilding the economic and trade relationship between the two nations.
Despite strong trade ties and the presence of 600 US companies in South Africa, the deterioration in relations under Trump’s presidency has been significant. Last month, South Africa’s ambassador was expelled for criticizing Trump’s leadership during a webinar, further straining diplomatic relations.
Jonas’ past remarks about Trump being a “racist homophobe” and a “narcissistic rightwinger” have resurfaced, but he believes that these comments made before his government appointment will not hinder his diplomatic efforts. He expressed confidence that people understand the context has changed, and he is focused on moving forward in a positive direction.
As Jonas works to address Trump’s trade and foreign policy concerns, including the impact of tariffs on South African exports, he is considering proposing a package to the US government. Details of the proposal have not been finalized, but Jonas is committed to finding common ground and improving the relationship between the two countries.
The appointment of Jonas as a special envoy has sparked controversy in the US, with rightwing critics questioning his suitability for the role. However, supporters point to his experience in diplomacy and his track record of navigating complex international relationships.
In the face of ongoing challenges, including Trump’s decision to end aid to South Africa and his controversial statements about the country’s land expropriation policy, Jonas remains focused on his mission to rebuild ties with the US. With his background in business and diplomacy, Jonas is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of international relations and work towards a more constructive relationship between South Africa and the US.
As Jonas undertakes his diplomatic role, there is hope that a suitable ambassador will soon be appointed to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The path ahead may be challenging, but with Jonas at the helm, there is optimism for a brighter future in US-South Africa relations.
