Mcebisi Jonas
Mcebisi Jonas is a prominent South African politician and former deputy finance minister, known for his extensive experience in government and commitment to economic renewal and global cooperation. Recently appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as South Africa's special envoy to the United States, Jonas is tasked with rebuilding diplomatic and trade relations amid a challenging political climate. His previous tenure in the finance ministry from 2014 to 2017 was marked by significant economic challenges, and he has since taken on roles in the private sector, including serving as non-executive chairman of the MTN Group.
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Recent news mentions
Mcebisi Jonas's appointment as special envoy to Washington was rejected by the Trump government.
Trump’s anti-SA crusade must be stopped – The Mail & Guardian
South Africa· 2025-11-14
The meeting, arranged by South Africa’s special envoy Mcebisi Jonas, was as strategic as it was symbolic.
How G20 can rise above Trump politics – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-11-13
Ramaphosa’s special envoy to the US, former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas, is also part of the team.
Charm offensive or collision course? – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-05-21
Ramaphosa’s special envoy to the US, former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas, is also part of the team.
Charm offensive or collision course? – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-05-21Ramaphosa has yet to name a replacement, but has in the interim appointed former deputy finance minister and current MTN chairperson Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the US capitol.
Ramaphosa to press Trump on attending G20 summit, racial redress – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-05-21
Mcebisi Jonas is the chairperson of MTN Group and recently appointed South African special envoy to the US.
Failure to disclose affiliations in foreign policy activities demand scrutiny of US Congress – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-05-14
Mcebisi Jonas was named as the special envoy to Washington amid a diplomatic freeze.
Ramaphosa makes Alistair Ruiters special advisor for investment promotion – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-04-30
Mcebisi Jonas will be tasked with advancing South Africa's diplomatic priorities.
South Africa will defend sovereignty, ANC chair says amid US tensions
United Kingdom· 2025-04-27
Mcebisi Jonas was appointed as South Africa's special envoy to Washington to try to resolve the conflict.
African leaders scramble to appease Trump in tariff and deportation disputes
Canada· 2025-04-24
Mcebisi Jonas has been appointed as special envoy to the US amid questions about his suitability due to recent disclosures by MTN.
Criticism of MTN disclosures raises questions about Jonas’s suitability as envoy – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-04-23
Mcebisi Jonas has to salvage ties with Washington amid a diplomatic deep freeze and global trade war.
Play the diplomacy game properly – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-04-17Mcebisi Jonas acknowledged that rebuilding understanding with the Trump administration would be a 'long slog'.
Elon Musk's Starlink and the racially charged row over operating in South AfricaUnited Kingdom· 2025-04-16
Jonas, a former deputy finance minister, made headlines when he made corruption allegations against a wealthy family linked to former President Jacob Zuma.
South Africa names new Special Envoy to mend ties with the US
Ghana· 2025-04-15
Mcebisi Jonas's appointment is expected to help South Africa rebuild its relationship with the United States.
África do Sul nomeia enviado especial aos EUA após expulsão de embaixador
Cabo Verde· 2025-04-14Mcebisi Jonas, a former deputy finance minister, made headlines when he made corruption allegations against a wealthy family linked to former President Jacob Zuma.
South Africa appoints special envoy to US to ease relationsUnited Kingdom· 2025-04-14Mcebisi Jonas was appointed as the special envoy to the United States to rebuild South Africa's relationship with the U.S.
South Africa appoints US envoy to try to mend ties
Tanzania· 2025-04-14Mcebisi Jonas has been named as South Africa's special envoy to Washington amid a diplomatic freeze with the Trump administration.
Mcebisi Jonas named special envoy to US – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-04-14