South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday named former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the United States, following the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador by the Trump administration last month.
Ramaphosa said Jonas’ appointment is part of efforts to restore diplomatic ties with Washington, which have soured significantly under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
Tensions have escalated after Trump accused South Africa’s Black-led government of discriminating against the white minority, and criticized its foreign policy as hostile to American interests. In February, he signed an executive order cutting U.S. aid to South Africa, citing these concerns.
In a post on Truth Social over the weekend, Trump questioned whether the United States should participate in this year’s G20 summit if it is held in South Africa, as planned. The summit is scheduled for November in Johannesburg, with South Africa holding the current presidency of the G20.
“Is this where we want to be for the G20? I don’t think so!” Trump wrote.
He also repeated claims that South Africa is seizing land from white farmers and that they and their families are being killed — allegations the South African government has repeatedly denied. Officials say the claims, echoed by Trump and his South African-born adviser Elon Musk, are rooted in misinformation.