AfriForum, Solidarity slam SA’s US envoy pick over Trump remarks

AfriForum

Cape Town – Lobby groups Solidarity and AfriForum have criticised the appointment of former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s Special Envoy to the United States.

AfriForum’s Kallie Kriel cited a past speech in which Jonas harshly criticised former US President Donald Trump, calling him a “racist, homophobic narcissist”, questioning whether Jonas can mend relations with the US.

“Here Mr. Mcebisi Jonas, South Africa’s new Special Envoy to the United States of America, insults President @realDonaldTrump. Given these remarks, do you think Jonas will be able to mend the shaky relationship between South Africa and the Trump administration?,” Kriel asked on X.

Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans suggested the appointment was either due to poor vetting or a deliberate political message, IOL reported.

“There can only be one of two reasons why Ramaphosa decided to appoint Mcebisi Jonas as envoy to the US despite these totally disqualifying statements: Either their vetting process is so weak that they missed the video (pathetic), or they (ANC led government) want to show Trump the middle finger. I can’t see how the relationship between our two countries is going to be repaired now,” the report quoted Kleynhans as saying.

Despite the backlash, Jonas expressed gratitude for the appointment and committed to fostering strong ties between South Africa and the US.

“I would like to thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for entrusting me with this important but challenging role,” said Jonas. “I will do my best to promote a healthy working relationship between South Africa and the United States.”

His appointment comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances, with South Africa facing increasing scrutiny over its foreign policy positions.

Jonas said he is “fully cognisant of the difficulties that lie ahead” but believes there are ‘areas of commonality and mutual interest” that can be leveraged to reaffirm the “long-standing ties between our two countries”.

He cautioned that progress will take time and urged the South African public to be patient as government engages with various stakeholders across both nations.

“There are no quick fixes in such a complex situation,” he said.

Jonas, a former deputy finance minister brings significant political and economic experience to the role.

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