South African President Cyril Ramaphosaannounced on Monday the appointment of Mcebisi Jonas, former deputy finance minister, as a special envoy to the United States.
Jonas, who currently serves as the independent non-executive chairman of telecommunications giant MTN Group (MTNJ.J), will continue in his current role while undertaking his new diplomatic duties.
Ramaphosa’s office issued a statement outlining Jonas’s responsibilities: “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.”
This appointment comes at a critical time, as relations between South Africa and the U.S. have significantly deteriorated since January.
The U.S. has reduced financial aid to South Africa, expressing disapproval of the country’s land reform policies and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, a key U.S. ally.
Furthermore, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S. was expelled in March.
Mcebisi Jonas served as South Africa’s deputy finance minister from 2014 to 2017.
Known for his outspoken stance against corruption during his time in government, he played a prominent rolein a judicial inquiry investigating allegations of graft and influence-peddling during former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure.
Jonas testified to the inquiry that he was offered the finance minister position and substantial sums of money by the Gupta brothers, associates of Zuma.Zuma and the Gupta brothers have denied any wrongdoing.
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