South Africa: New Envoy on fire over 2020 Trump remarks

South Africa’s newly appointed envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas, has come under fire for his past remarks on Trump.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Jonas on Monday April 14, 2025, to lead diplomatic efforts in Washington.

Jonas previously served as South Africa’s deputy finance minister under former President Jacob Zuma.

In a 2020 speech, Jonas labeled U.S. President Donald Trump as racist, homophobic, and narcissistic.

He made the remarks during the Ahmed Kathrada Lecture on November 8, 2020.

The speech came just five days after Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden.

Jonas questioned how Trump rose to power in the U.S. political system.

He described Trump as a “narcissistic right-winger” who led a powerful global force.

Jonas urged democracies to reflect on Trump’s political success and influence.

The Trump administration responded strongly to South Africa’s diplomatic tone.

It expelled South Africa’s previous ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, last month.

Rasool had criticized Trump and the Make America Great Again movement during a public webinar.

U.S. officials labeled Rasool a “race-baiting politician” and accused him of anti-Trump sentiment.

South Africa had not yet named a replacement ambassador before Jonas’ appointment.

Tensions between both countries worsened after Trump suspended all U.S. funding to South Africa.

He cited alleged anti-white and anti-American policies as justification for the decision.

South African officials and local political parties strongly rejected those claims.

Trump also accused the government of enabling violent attacks on white farmers.

He claimed South Africa was seizing white-owned land without compensation.

No land has been taken under the new land expropriation law, South African officials confirmed.

The law allows for land seizures in the public interest but requires due process.

White minority lobby groups in South Africa appealed to Trump for intervention.

In response, Trump announced a plan offering white South African farmers U.S. refugee status.

Jonas, now facing global media attention, has not responded to renewed criticism.

He has pledged to promote a “healthy working relationship” between Pretoria and Washington.

However, he admitted the road ahead will be difficult due to current global challenges.

Jonas also addressed inequality and COVID-19 impacts in his 2020 speech.

He expressed hope that Trump’s defeat would halt anti-globalism movements.

South Africa continues to seek diplomatic stability with the United States amid rising tensions.

Officials remain silent on whether Jonas’ comments reflect the current administration’s view.

The White House has not issued a statement on Jonas’ appointment as of Tuesday April 15.

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