Three months after President Ramaphosa appointed Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s special envoy to the US, Jonas has yet to set foot in Washington or meet with any top US official. Jonas was appointed to help rebuild US-South Africa relations, which have deteriorated since President Trump returned to office. Trump has, despite evidence to the contrary, accused Pretoria of committing genocide against White farmers and seizing their land. Furthermore, his administration has halted most aid to South Africa, expelled its ambassador, and threatened to levy tariffs of up to 30% on its exports to the US. Jonas, a former deputy finance minister, was reportedly denied a diplomatic visa, with Washington rejecting his credentials due to past remarks critical of Trump. Pretoria has, however, dismissed these reports as sensationalist, claiming Jonas continues behind-the-scenes work.
Bloomberg
