Cape Town – South Africa’s new special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, has dismissed concerns over a resurfaced 2020 video where he labelled US President Donald Trump a “racist”, “homophobe” and “narcissistic right-winger”.
Speaking to Radio 702, Jonas said the remarks were made when he was an activist and not in government, adding that such comments are common in politics.
“I was outside government at the time.
“I was speaking as an activist, and I think these things happen. People move on and confront the challenges of the time. I’m sure if you Google any politician, you will find they have said something nasty about one politician or another.
“The reality is that the challenge we all face and the task at hand is to work on the relations between the two countries, and I’m committed to doing that. I believe I have the backing of the government, but also of South Africans in general,” Times Live quoted him as saying.
Lobby groups Solidarity and AfriForum on Tuesday criticised the appointment of Jonas, questioning whether he could 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? pic.twitter.com/3b1anLbCpy
— Kallie Kriel (@kalliekriel) April 14, 2025
“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?,” AfriForum’s Kallie 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 controversy, Jonas emphasised his commitment to improving SA-US relations, highlighting the importance of the bilateral partnership for South Africa’s economic and diplomatic interests.
His appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa comes at a tense time in SA-US relations, following past friction over land policies and the expulsion of a previous ambassador.
Jonas acknowledged the complexity of his role but expressed optimism about rebuilding mutual understanding and cooperation.
He noted the strong trade ties and presence of over 600 US companies in South Africa as a foundation for a long-term, productive relationship.
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Picture: X/@MbalulaFikile
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
