South Africa Names Special U.S. Envoy After Ambassador’s Expulsion Amid Trump Tensions

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the United States, aiming to repair diplomatic ties after the country’s ambassador was expelled by the Trump administration last month.

The U.S. declared Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata following comments in a webinar, where he described former President Donald Trump’s political movement as driven by “a supremacist instinct.” Upon his return, Rasool received a hero’s welcome in Cape Town.

Tensions have escalated since Trump resumed office. In February, he signed an executive order slashing U.S. funding to South Africa, accusing its Black-led government of persecuting white farmers and promoting anti-American policies.

South Africa has strongly denied the allegations, calling them misinformation.

The controversy intensified over South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza; an action the Trump administration cited as evidence of South Africa’s alignment with Iran and Hamas.

Trump further stirred tensions over the upcoming G20 summit, hosted by South Africa, posting on Truth Social: “Is this where we want to be for the G20? I don’t think so!” He also repeated widely disputed claims about white farmers facing land seizures and violence.

South Africa recently passed a land expropriation law allowing seizure without compensation in the public interest, though no land has yet been taken. Critics say it unfairly targets white landowners, a claim the government rejects.

Ramaphosa said Jonas’ appointment reflects a commitment to “engage constructively” with the U.S., despite political friction. South Africa has yet to name a replacement for its expelled ambassador.