South Africa has appointed a special envoy to the US in an effort to ease tensions between the two countries, which have worsened since Donald Trump’s return as president.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Mcebisi Jonas’s selection, adding that he would be “entrusted with [advancing] South Africa’s diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities”.
Jonas, a former deputy finance minister, made headlines when he made corruption allegations against a wealthy family linked to former President Jacob Zuma.
The US last month expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, over remarks he had made about the Trump administration.
Ramaphosa’s office said Jonas would be “serving as the official representative” of the president and South Africa.
“He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote our nation’s interests.”
Credit: bbc.com
