The Presidency has issued a strong statement refuting the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) claims that Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas was denied a US visa, calling it a deliberate attempt to spread disinformation.
In a statement, the Presidency said: “The Presidency cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) disinformation on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official Government policy.”
The DA had alleged that the US rejected Jonas’ credentials, hindering his role as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America. The Presidency dismissed these claims as sensationalist, particularly amid ongoing US-SA trade negotiations following President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcements.
The Presidency clarified that special envoys do not present formal diplomatic credentials like ambassadors. While Jonas’ work is not publicly detailed, his contributions have been instrumental in trade and diplomatic efforts between South Africa and the US.
“Mr Jonas has played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop trade proposals… and assisting DIRCO in resetting diplomatic relations,” the statement read.
The Presidency accused the DA of pursuing an ideological agenda, referencing the party’s US visit earlier this year. It warned that the DA’s actions risk damaging South Africa’s international relations and economic interests.
“The DA is trying cheaply but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States,” the statement added, linking the claims to internal political grievances following Andrew Whitfield’s removal as Deputy Trade Minister.
The government reaffirmed Jonas’ role in advancing SA’s trade and diplomatic goals, urging against politicizing international relations. The DA’s claims, it said, only serve to harm South Africa’s global standing.
