President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as SA’s special envoy to the US.
Ramaphosa made the announcement on Monday.
Jonas, who was born in Kariega, will serve as the official representative of the president and the government.
“In this capacity, Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance SA’s diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities,” Ramaphosa said.
“He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests.”
Jonas’s deployment marks the first official appointment announced by the SA government since Washington expelled ambassador Ebrahim Rasool over says he made about the US, likening the Donald Trump-led administration to that of “supremacists”.
Jonas serves as an independent non-executive chair of telecommunications company MTN Group.
He also served in one of four presidential investment envoys whom Ramaphosa appointed in 2018 to facilitate investment in the country.
“This appointment underscores his distinguished career and continued commitment to advancing SA’s national and economic interests,” Ramaphosa said.
“For decades, SA and the US 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.”
The Herald
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