The Democratic Alliance says the United States denied Mcebisi Jonas a diplomatic visa in May and rejected his credentials as South Africa’s special envoy.
According to a statement by DA MP Emma Louise Powell, President Cyril Ramaphosa allegedly knew for months that Jonas was not welcome in Washington, D.C. The president allegedly continued to claim Jonas was still acting as his envoy.
The US government reportedly told the Presidency several times to appoint someone else. The DA says Ramaphosa ignored the warnings and misled the public.
DA CLAIMS US REJECTED JONAS AS ENVOY
In a June interview, Ramaphosa allegedly said that Mcebisi Jonas is still the North American envoy and has done good work. The DA says the President made that statement knowing Jonas had already been barred from official diplomatic work.
The DA now plans to submit a PAIA request for Jonas’s official activities over the past 90 days. In response, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya allegedly accused the party of overstepping.
30% US TARIFFS
The DA says Ramaphosa is more focused on saving face than protecting South African jobs. The party warns the country could lose billions in exports once 30% US tariffs take effect in two weeks.
The party will write to the Speaker of Parliament to demand answers. It is calling for a new envoy who is recognised by the US and able to fix the damage.
“It has become undeniable that the President is now more concerned with saving face than with safeguarding the livelihoods of South African businesses and workers who will ultimately pay the price for his inaction,” the statement said.
Why did President Ramaphosa continue to back Mcebisi Jonas as envoy after the US had rejected his credentials?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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