South Africa appoints US envoy to try to mend ties

Tannur Anders - Reuters - 14/04
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the United States, in an effort to try to rebuild a relationship that has soured badly under President Donald Trump.
  • US-South Africa relations have worsened under Trump
  • South Africa's ambassador kicked out last month
  • Jonas chairs board of telecoms group MTN
JOHANNESBURG, April 14 (Reuters) - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the United States, in an effort to try to rebuild a relationship that has soured badly under President Donald Trump.
Since Trump's return to the White House in January the U.S. has expelled South Africa's ambassador and cut financial aid, citing disapproval of its approach to land reform and its genocide case against Washington's ally Israel at the World Court.

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Trump has said, without citing evidence, that "South Africa is confiscating land" and that "certain classes of people" are being treated "very badly."
Jonas, who was deputy finance minister between 2014 and 2017, is currently chairman of telecoms group MTN (MTNJ.J), opens new tab, a role he will continue to hold alongside the envoy position.
"Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa's diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities. He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with U.S. government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation's interests,...
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