Appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as President Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to the United States of America

MEDIA STATEMENT 

Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, 15 April 2025 - Public Interest SA expresses its full support for the appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as the Special Envoy to the United States of America, serving as the official representative of the President and the Government of the Republic of South Africa.

This appointment comes at a critical juncture in South Africa’s bilateral relations with the United States, and we believe that Mr Jonas possesses the requisite stature, experience, and gravitas to discharge this challenging role with integrity and distinction.

Mr Jonas is a respected businessman and ethical leader whose courageous testimony before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture – the Zondo Commission – significantly contributed to uncovering and confronting the systemic abuse of state institutions for private gain. His principled stance, taken at great personal risk, exemplifies the calibre of leadership our nation demands, especially in matters that affect its international standing and sovereignty.

His decades-long engagement in the political, economic and diplomatic affairs of South Africa — including his tenure as Deputy Minister of Finance and as one of President Ramaphosa’s Presidential Investment Envoys — equips him to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, especially with a strategic partner such as the United States. His concurrent role as Independent Non-Executive Chairman of MTN Group reflects his ongoing commitment to ethical corporate leadership and Africa’s broader economic development.

We recognise, however, that no Special Envoy, regardless of their ability or dedication, can resolve these challenges alone. Diplomatic success will rely on the goodwill, mutual respect, and shared commitment of both governments to address matters of concern through principled dialogue and cooperation. In this context, we reaffirm the importance of South Africa’s sovereignty, the primacy of the Rule of Law, and the preservation of national dignity in all international engagements.

“In our nation's hour of need, we call upon all South Africans — across sectors and ideologies — to unite behind Mr Jonas. His mission is not merely diplomatic; it is a quest to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to a just global order, to restore trust, and to open a new chapter in constructive engagement between our country and the United States,” stated Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA.

We extend our best wishes to Mr Jonas as he undertakes this historic responsibility and trust that reason, integrity, and foresight will guide all parties toward a sustainable and principled resolution of current tensions. 

ENDS

Issued by: 

Bagaetsho Oteng

Media & Communication

bagaetsho@publicinterest.org.za | +27 (0)10 005 5884