South Africa’s New US Envoy Brushes Off Past Criticism of Donald Trump

Introduction: A Diplomatic Reset Amid Turbulence

South Africa’s appointment of Mcebisi Jonas as its new special envoy to the United States comes at a moment of extraordinary strain between Pretoria and Washington. The relationship, battered by disputes over land reform, international legal action against Israel, and public accusations of racism, reached a nadir with the expulsion of South Africa’s previous ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, by the Trump administration. Jonas, a prominent corruption whistleblower and former deputy finance minister, now faces the daunting task of mending ties while his own past criticisms of Donald Trump resurface and draw scrutiny1341520.

Background: The Collapse of US-South Africa Relations

Relations between the US and South Africa have been on a downward spiral since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in January 2025. The Trump administration’s decision to expel Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March, following Rasool’s public remarks about Trump’s alleged mobilization of white supremacist sentiment, marked a historic low561719. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Rasool a “race-baiting politician who hates America and President Donald Trump,” and declared him persona non grata19.

This diplomatic rupture was preceded by Trump’s executive order halting all US aid to South Africa, citing the country’s land expropriation law and accusations of anti-white policies—claims widely rejected by South African officials and independent observers91819. Trump further inflamed tensions by criticizing South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and by offering asylum to white Afrikaners, moves interpreted in Pretoria as both punitive and provocative371114.

Mcebisi Jonas: Credentials and Controversies

A Whistleblower and Investment Envoy

Mcebisi Jonas is no stranger to controversy or high-stakes politics. As deputy finance minister, he was a key figure in exposing the “state capture” scandal, testifying that the Gupta family—close allies of former President Jacob Zuma—offered him bribes to take the finance minister post3916. After being dismissed by Zuma, Jonas transitioned to the private sector and currently serves as chairman of MTN Group, a major telecommunications company316.

Past Criticism of Trump

Jonas’s own words have now become a flashpoint. In a 2020 speech at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Jonas referred to Trump as “a racist, homophobic and narcissistic right-winger,” questioning how such a figure could lead the world’s most powerful democracy13151620. These remarks, made after Trump’s 2020 electoral defeat, were delivered while Jonas was outside government and speaking “as an activist,” a distinction he has emphasized in recent interviews13.

“At the time, I was outside of government, and I was speaking as an activist. People move on and confront challenges of the time… The reality is that the challenge we all face now is to work on the relations between the two countries.” — Mcebisi Jonas13

Jonas’s Mandate: ‘No Quick Fixes’

A Special Envoy, Not an Ambassador

Jonas’s new role is distinct from that of a traditional ambassador. As a special envoy, he is tasked with representing President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government on specific issues, particularly economic, trade, and diplomatic priorities391216. The appointment is seen as a pragmatic move, given that the diplomatic atmosphere is too volatile for the appointment of a new ambassador16.

Repairing Trust and Navigating Misinformation

Jonas inherits a complex brief. He must address American “misconceptions” about South Africa’s land reform and the treatment of the white minority, while also clarifying Pretoria’s foreign policy decisions, such as its legal action against Israel8912. He has warned repeatedly that “there are no quick fixes in such a complex situation,” appealing for patience from both South Africans and Americans as he seeks to “identify areas of shared interest to strengthen the enduring bonds between our nations”2891216.

Why Relations Soured: Key Flashpoints

The Challenge Ahead: Can Jonas Succeed?

Diplomatic Tightrope

Jonas’s appointment has received a mixed reception. Some analysts warn that his past comments could make him a target for the Trump administration, risking a repeat of Rasool’s expulsion1316. Others note that Jonas’s reputation as a corruption fighter and his experience in both government and business may give him the credibility needed to open new channels of dialogue16.

A Broader Geopolitical Context

The US-South Africa relationship is also shaped by global dynamics. South Africa’s presidency of the G20, its growing alignment with BRICS nations, and its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict all complicate efforts to find common ground with Washington31618. Trump’s administration has signaled a willingness to escalate, not de-escalate, with threats of trade tariffs and continued public criticism416.

Jonas’s Strategy: Focus on Common Interests

Despite the challenges, Jonas has stressed the importance of focusing on areas of mutual benefit—trade, investment, and cultural exchange—while avoiding unnecessary escalation over ideological differences18916. He has called for “space and time” to engage with stakeholders in both countries and has pledged to act in the national interest, not personal or partisan agendas181316.

Conclusion: A Test of Diplomacy and Political Will

Mcebisi Jonas steps into his new role at a time of profound mistrust and mutual suspicion between South Africa and the United States. His ability to brush off past criticisms of Donald Trump and focus on pragmatic engagement will be tested by both domestic audiences and an unpredictable US administration. With no quick fixes in sight, the path to repairing this critical bilateral relationship will require patience, resilience, and a willingness to find common ground amid deep political divides248916.

Whether Jonas can succeed where his predecessor was expelled remains to be seen. What is clear is that the stakes—for trade, diplomacy, and South Africa’s global standing—could not be higher.