Africa-Press – South-Africa. Newly appointed special envoy to the United States (US), Mcebisi Jonas, said he was taking a pragmatic approach to his new job as he mulls over how to juggle tensions between South Africa and the US.
The former finance deputy minister was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa this week.
He now faces the tough job of leading negotiations, engaging with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote the country’s interests.
Fresh attempts to mend ties with the US come amid protracted diplomatic tensions between the two countries over South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy.
Trump’s decision to cut aid to countries across the world and the imposition of import tariffs have only intensified South Africa’s bid to cosy up to the US to avoid irreversible damage.
Jonas said: “I take a particular view because South Africa is in a coalition now and the Government of National Unity showing us that ideology in itself doesn’t pay the bills.
“There’s something else that you have to do – you have to grow the economy, and you have to go and engage investors to ensure that the economy is healthy. That’s the approach I take – to be pragmatic.”
Despite his optimism about the task ahead, he said he won’t be a one-man job.
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