"Mcebisi Jonas Discusses Previous Statements Regarding Trump: 'Time Moves Forward'"
Fresh Take:
Mcebisi Jonas, a man of principles, steps into his role as South Africa's special envoy to the US amidst controversy due to his prior critiques of former President Trump. In 2020, during the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation's annual lecture, Jonas marked Trump as a "racist," "homophobe," and a "narcissistic right-winger" following Biden's victory.[1][2][3]
Jonas Addresses Trump Criticism
Following the public's questioning of his suitability for the envoy role after The South African highlighted his past criticisms, Jonas clarified his stance on Radio 702. He recalled, "At the time, I was outside of government. At the time, I was speaking as an activist."[5]
"Truth is, these things happen," Jonas shared. "People move on."[5]
Many politicians, even Trump's fellow Republicans, have been vocal in their criticisms.
Hoping for a Reset in US-SA Relations
Undeterred by Trump's influence on the friction brewing between SA and US, Jonas emphasizes the necessity to refocus on repairing the relationship. He contends that contentious issues like trade and geopolitics are more complex than the personalized politics depicted, with multiple personalities shaping the future course of events.
With 600 US companies operating in South Africa, Jonas remains optimistic about reestablishing amicable ties with the US.
Jonas Appeals for National Unity
During the same interview, Jonas called on South Africans to rally around a shared vision instead of involving the US in domestic issues. Groups like Afriforum and Solidarity have garnered criticism for seeking US support against the Expropriation Act.
Determined to counter misinformation, Jonas vows to clarify South Africa's stance in the US. Trump's false claims of Africa's racially motivated land grabs have added fuel to the fire. South Africa has not expropriated land without compensation since 1994.[5]
Looking Forward
President Ramaphosa's office confirmed that the appointment of a permanent ambassador to the US will proceed separately. For Jonas, his temporary role is a stepping stone towards a more permanent ambassadorial appointment.[5]
While Jonas's past criticism of Trump poses a complex challenge, his intellectual prowess, deep-rooted principles, and dedication to strengthening US-SA relations make him a strong contender for this task.
[1] https://cloudfront.247am.co.za/digitaluploads/image/upload/v1601023901/ArticleImages/2020-09/17/Mcebisi-Jonas--- korporaadshot---Jonas---1600-x-900-px.jpg
[2] https://www.iol.co.za/talent-talk-2/the-kathrada-foundation-takes-the-betrayal-of-the-dream-to-the-court-of-public-opinion-5b74b55c-6e40-4e5e-b5e3-4f0c7102bc42
[3] https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/donald-trumps-attacks-africa-ignite-new-demonstrations-in-south-africa-2119027
[4] https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/politics/2020-09-18-inside-the-sfp-how-julius-malema-rose-to-power/
[5] https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2021-04-16-mcebisi-jonas-says-hes-not-apologetic-for-trump-comments-as-he-takes-on-special-envoy-role/
- Despite the controversy surrounding Mcebisi Jonas's appointment as South Africa's special envoy to the US due to his past criticisms of Donald Trump, Jonas remains optimistic about reestablishing amicable ties with the US, given the 600 US companies operating in South Africa.
- Jonas, in his role as special envoy, contends that contentious issues like trade and geopolitics between South Africa and the US are more complex than they seem, with multiple personalities shaping the future course of events, rather than personalizing politics as depicted.
- In a bid to counter misinformation, including Trump's false claims of Africa's racially motivated land grabs, Jonas vows to clarify South Africa's stance in the US, thereby aiming to deescalate tensions surrounding the Expropriation Act.
- Jonas, besides focusing on US-SA relations, also appeals for national unity in South Africa, urging South Africans to rally around a shared vision instead of involving the US in domestic issues, particularly groups like Afriforum and Solidarity who have garnered criticism for seeking US support.
- Despite his past criticism of Trump posing a complex challenge, Jonas's intellectual prowess, deep-rooted principles, and dedication to strengthening US-SA relations make him a strong contender for this task, as he steps into his role as South Africa's special envoy to the US amidst controversy.
