President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided to keep Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s special envoy to the United States, despite the reemergence of a 2020 video in which Jonas referred to Donald Trump as a “racist, homophobic, narcissistic right-winger” during a lecture.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, clarified that Jonas made the remarks in a personal capacity, not as a government representative, and noted that the Trump administration would likely understand that politicians often express strong opinions.
The decision comes at a time of tense relations between South Africa and the U.S., following the expulsion of South Africa’s former ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, and Trump’s past criticisms of South Africa’s land reform policies.
Ramaphosa is counting on Jonas, a former deputy finance minister and anti-corruption advocate, to help repair diplomatic relations. However, some observers worry that Jonas’ previous comments could create challenges in negotiations with U.S. officials.