Jonas, a former Deputy Finance Minister, has been tasked with advancing SA’s diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities while leading negotiations with the US.

FOSA Leader Tebogo Mashilompane has argued that Jonas’ appointment comes at a time of strained relations between the two nations, making the role particularly challenging. Mashilompane believes that President Cyril Ramaphosa should personally take on the responsibility of representing SA in such critical negotiations.

“Remember we stayed for too long when things were happening when there were false allegations about the government of SA and so forth. So we feel that the President is supposed to go there himself, unlike sending someone who’s not even a member of the cabinet,” Mashilompane stated.

Mashilompane also raised concerns about Jonas’ past remarks regarding former US President Donald Trump, which could complicate his diplomatic efforts.

“There was a time when Mcebisi Jonas also spoke like Rasool, and we also feel that thing might emerge again. He might be interrogated and asked questions why he called Trump a racist, homophobic, and all those things he said,” Mashilompane added.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--