By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The presidency has strongly condemned the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) claims that Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas was denied a US visa, calling it a deliberate attempt to spread disinformation.
Jonas was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April, amid tensions with the US and following the expulsion of former Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.
In May, the Presidency stated that “Jonas holds a valid visa for travel to the United States of America”.
The DA alleges that the US government rejected Jonas’s credentials then and does not recognise him as South Africa’s official interlocutor, citing “senior sources in the US administration”
DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Emma Powell said its sources did not provide reasons for the refusal but added that government was repeatedly advised that Jonas was not an acceptable representative and that an alternative should be appointed.
“[Washington] DC have grown frustrated that they do not have any credible and official interlocutor with whom to negotiate,” Powell said.
The DA wants an urgent parliamentary briefing from the Presidency on the matter and answers on why the Presidency defended Jonas’s appointment as late as June.
In a statement, the Presidency said: “The Presidency cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official Government policy.”
The Presidency clarified that special envoys do not present formal diplomatic credentials like ambassadors. While Jonas’ work is not publicly detailed, his contributions have been instrumental in trade and diplomatic efforts between South Africa and the US.
“Jonas has played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop trade proposals… and assisting DIRCO in resetting diplomatic relations,” the statement read.
The Presidency accused the DA of pursuing an ideological agenda, referencing the party’s US visit earlier this year.It warned that the DA’s actions risk damaging South Africa’s international relations and economic interests.
“The DA is trying cheaply but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States,” the statement added, linking the claims to internal political grievances following Andrew Whitfield’s removal as Deputy Trade Minister.
The government reaffirmed Jonas’ role in advancing SA’s trade and diplomatic goals, urging against politicizing international relations. The DA’s claims, it said, only serve to harm South Africa’s global standing.
US-South African diplomatic relations are at a post-Apartheid low, which could spell trouble for the already ailing domestic economy.
US recently slapped SA with 30% tariff on all its exports to the United States from August 1, following a formal letter from president Donald Trump to Ramaphosa demanding action on trade imbalances and long-standing market restrictions.
The sweeping tariffs will apply to “any and all South African products sent into the United States,” and are being imposed outside of any sectoral trade deals. The announcement follows a similar pattern of tariff notices sent to over a dozen countries in recent weeks, with South Africa facing one of the highest proposed rates.