President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office announced that Jonas will be responsible for steering South Africa’s diplomatic and trade priorities in the US. His mandate includes negotiating key partnerships and engaging with both US government officials and private-sector leaders to represent South Africa’s interests.
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The urgent appointment follows the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by the US, after controversial remarks led to his dismissal just two months into the role. With formal ambassadorial processes requiring time and calmer conditions, Jonas will act as a bridge to reset relations.
Jonas was reportedly not the first choice for the role. A top CEO declined the post, citing discomfort with South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice — a legal action that has further inflamed tensions with the pro-Israel Trump administration.
Jonas brings strong political and business credentials to the position. He is currently the independent chairman of MTN, a telecoms firm active in Iran, and has served as a presidential investment envoy since 2018. His political journey began as an anti-apartheid activist and later included a key role in exposing state corruption under Jacob Zuma’s presidency — a stance that led to his dismissal in 2017.
In response to his appointment, Jonas acknowledged the tough path ahead but expressed hope that shared interests could restore ties. “There are no quick fixes in such a complex situation,” he said, urging South Africans to give him space to work.
His mission begins amid renewed controversy stirred by former US President Donald Trump, who recently made unfounded claims about land seizures and anti-white violence in South Africa. These allegations come as South Africa leads the G20 presidency, a role it will hand over to the US at year’s end.
While Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped a recent G20 meeting in Johannesburg, technical preparations for the leadership transition continue — though questions remain about the US’s suitability to lead the forum under its current administration.