South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas, the former Deputy Finance Minister, as a special envoy to the United States, as per Bloomberg.
The appointment, confirmed by the presidency on Monday, tasks Jonas with advancing South Africa’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities in the US.
According to the statement, Jonas will lead negotiations, cultivate strategic partnerships, and engage with both US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote South Africa’s national interests.
This appointment comes a month after Washington expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool following comments he made regarding US policy.
Jonas, who will turn 65 this year, will retain his position as chairman of telecommunications giant MTN Group alongside his new responsibilities. He also served as one of the four presidential investment envoys appointed by Ramaphosa in 2018, aimed at boosting investment into South Africa.
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