Jonas' Role As Us Special Envoy Is Beyond His Capacity: Fosa

Civil rights group Forum for South Africa FOSA has raised concerns that Mcebisi Jonas role as special envoy to the United States is beyond his capacity.

Jonas has been tasked with advancing South Africas diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities and leading negotiations with the US.

FOSA leader Tebogo Mashilompane argues that given the deteriorating relations between the two countries, President Cyril Ramaphosa should personally represent the country.

Remember we stayed for too long when things were happening when there were false allegations about the government of South Africa and so forth. So, we feel that the President is supposed to go there himself unlike sending someone whos not even a member of the Cabinet. So, this disqualifies him on that basis, not that hes not a person of integrity but at the same time, we are saying he wont be able to deal with these issues.

Mashilompane has also pointed out that comments made by Jonas in 2020, in which he referred to US President Donald Trump as a racist homophobe, could further exacerbate the situation.