Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas Hasn’t Visited USA Since His Appointment in April, South Africans Amused
- Mcebisi Jonas has yet to make a trip to the United States of America as Special Envoy to the country
- The former Deputy Finance Minister was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2025
- South Africans weighed in on the envoy's absence, with some noting how it made the country look
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Questions are being raised about Mcebisi Jonas’ role as South Africa’s Special Envoy to the United States of America.
The former Deputy Finance Minister was appointed to the role on 14 April 2025, following the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool. Despite being appointed four months ago, Jonas has yet to visit Washington, something social media users found amusing.
Why hasn’t Jonas been to America?
In response to a Parliamentary question by the Democratic Alliance’s Emma Powell, Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, confirmed that Jonas has not been to the US in his current capacity.
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“The Special Envoy has yet to travel to the US for official business. However, it must be noted that the sensitive and confidential work of the Special Envoy is never publicised,” the minister stated.
Lamola’s confirmation that Jonas had not been to the US comes after Powell alleged that he was denied a diplomatic visa by the US, who had formally rejected his credentials. The Presidency hit back at the claims, accusing Powell and the DA of misinformation, saying that a Special Envoy did not require a diplomatic visa.
Source: Getty Images
Concerned rise of Jonas’ situation
The notable absence of the Special Envoy has drawn criticism from the DA, who said it was a sign of weak diplomacy.
His absence comes at a time when the country is facing 30% tariffs from the US, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTIC) now trying to reach a deal between the two countries.
Jonas’s absence from the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump was also noted, as is his reputation in the USA after previous comments he made about Trump resurfaced.
Jonas previously stated the US president was "a racist, homophobic and a narcissistic right-winger."
How did South Africans react?
Social media users found the whole issue amusing, with some laughing about his visa status, while others joked that the government should send Julius Malema as the new envoy.
Patrick Williams asked:
“How will he go when they refused him a visa🤣?”
Olie Damasa questioned:
“They expelled the ambassador. Then an envoy was brought in. And they refuse to engage with our envoy. What do they want? A kiss on their backside?”
Regg Gertse stated:
“They're scared of the Orange Monster.”
Flip Mouers laughed:
“Missing in action amid a crisis😂.”
Jacobus Ludick suggested:
“Send Malema. I want to see something.”
Cassius Mpusheng agreed:
“Let’s send Malema to talk to Trump😅.”
Louise Kurten stated:
“Don’t hold your breath. He won’t be going soon.”
Ayanda Sifiso Guliwe said:
“If desperation were a country. You know the rest.”
Austin Tk Nkhahle Jr. added:
“Our leaders know how to embarrass us.”
Ali Ali White said:
“Send Juju. They will have a great conversation. I promise you.”
President Ramaphosa will not replace Jonas
Briefly News reported that the Presidency said Jonas would not be replaced as Special Envoy.
His appointment drew a lot of criticism because of his comments about US President Donald Trump.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Jonas made the statements in his personal capacity.
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Source: Briefly News
