JOHANNESBURG - A man with political leadership and vast knowledge of global political issues.
These were the words used to describe Mcebisi Jonas who has been appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the new special envoy to the United States (US).
This announcement was made on Monday.
The former deputy finance minister is expected to lead talks aimed at advancing the country’s diplomatic, trade and bilateral priorities with the US.
Why Jonas was chosen?
According to the presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, Jonas has a firm grasp of global political issues which makes him well equipped to understand South Africa's economic and trade interests.
Who will Jonas meet first?
Magwenya says Jonas is currently engaging internal stakeholders within the government and working closely alongside Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola and other business stakeholders who have visited Washington.
"Once these engagements and finalisation of his matching orders from Ramaphosa have been concluded, arrangements will be made for Jonas to go to the US and kick-off conversations," Magwenya said.
On the Trump-era tariffs
The presidential spokesperson says the first priority is to 'reset' relations before diving into specific concerns.
He says issues surrounding tariffs are already being handled by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).
"Jonas will be tasked with enabling the resetting of relations and creating a conducive environment where issues of concern can be discussed. Slowly from there he will deal with specifics by working with colleagues from the DTIC," added Magwenya.