United States rejected Ramaphosa’s special envoy – DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s special envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, was rejected by Washington months ago.

However, the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation (DIRCO) said that special envoys aren’t typical diplomats and do not get accredited, accusing the DA of pushing negative sentiment.

Jonas was named as Ramaphosa’s pick as a ‘special envoy’ to the US after former ambassador to the country, Ebrahim Rasool, was booted by Washington in March.

Rasool was given marching orders and expelled from the country following an address by the ambassador in which he criticised US President Donald Trump.

In the address, Rasool accused Trump of leading a global white supremacist movement and breaking down established norms and practices when it comes to diplomacy.

However, soon after Jonas was named as a big name to lead the restoration of relations between South Africa and the US, a five-year-old video of Jonas cropped up online.

In the video, the former deputy finance minister called Trump a racist homophobe, placing doubt over his suitability for the role.

Despite the bubbling controversy, Ramaphosa defended his appointment with Jonas and was reassured that he would be able to do the job.

However, the DA claims that the United States vehemently disagreed with this.

In what it called “an extraordinary turn of events”, the DA said that Ramaphosa has known for months that Jonas has not been welcome in Washington DC.

It said that the United States denied Jonas’ application for a diplomatic visa in May 2025, and that the US government formally rejected his credentials.

The party claimed that the Office of the Presidency was made aware that Jonas would not be recognised as South Africa’s official representative, but Ramaphosa has said nothing about it to date.

“The Ramaphosa administration was explicitly advised on multiple occasions that Jonas was not acceptable to Washington and was urged to appoint an alternative envoy,” the DA said.

“Despite these clear and repeated communications, the Presidency continued to mislead the public by insisting that Jonas remained the President’s special envoy to North America, responsible for leading the charge in repairing bilateral relations between our two countries.”

Jonas’ absence

Jonas was noticeably absent when Ramaphosa met with Trump in a high-profile engagement in May.

At the time, the presidency issued a statement “clarifying” his absence, saying that Jonas’s visa and credentials were valid.

It added that “no formal concerns or substantive inquiries related to his professional responsibilities” had been brought to the attention of his office.

The presidency said Jonas contributed to preparatory engagements ahead of the meeting, including consultations abroad.

“His absence from Washington, at his own request, has no bearing on the President’s official programme,” it said at the time.

The DA said it sought to submit a Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) request detailing Jonas’ official engagements over the past 90 days, but was met with accusations of “encroaching” on the President’s powers by his office.

“The DA is encroaching on the President’s area of responsibility. They have no business in the appointment or work of envoys, including that of Mr Jonas,” said presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.

“Envoys are there to support the work of the President.”

However, the DA said the matter was of national importance given that South Africa faces a looming 30% tariff on exports to the US, which could destroy industries and cost the country billions.

It said with no special representative advocating for South Africa in washington on behalf of the Presidency, the economy stands to lose billions of rands when the tariffs come into effect.

Government responds

Responding to the DA’s claims, spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Co-Operation, Chrispin Phiri, said that the party was acting against South Africa’s interests.

He added that the DA’s interpretation of the role of an envoy was also misguided.

“Special Envoys do not get accredited to a country. (The DA’s) insistence of non-accreditation is a red-herring,” he said.

“Special envoys are not diplomatic postings and do not require that countries present their credentials. No envoys, including those representing the president, announce their work and report publicly on what they do.”

Phiri accused the DA of pushing “unrelenting” negative sentiment towards the work being done by the government to restore relations with the US, and “actively campaigning against work being done to protect the economy and the nation’s interests.”

He concluded by saying the “tariff issue” is not unique to South Africa, and is being handled by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition.

Phiri’s comments and response were reposted to social media by the presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.

BusinessTech asked the Presidency for comment on the DA’s claims, but did not receive any response by the time of publication. The response will be added if received.