SA Presidency clears air on Jonas’s White House no-show

Mcebisi Jonas

Cape Town – The South African presidency has denied reports that Special Envoy Mcebisi Jonas was excluded from a delegation meeting with former US President Donald Trump due to visa issues.

Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarified that Jonas chose not to attend and holds a valid US visa.

“The Presidency acknowledges recent commentary regarding Mr Mcebisi Jonas and deems it prudent to provide clarity.

“Initial interpretations of procedural matters, communicated in good faith, have been amended following confirmation that Mr. Jonas holds a valid visa for travel to the United States of America,” the presidency said in a statement.

“No formal concerns or substantive inquiries related to his professional responsibilities have been brought to the attention of this office.

“Mr. Jonas contributed to preparatory engagements ahead of the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump, including consultations abroad. His absence from Washington, at his own request, has no bearing on the President’s official programme.”

Speculation about his absence arose after reports suggested the Trump administration objected to past remarks Jonas made in 2020 — calling Trump “a racist, a homophobe, and a narcissistic right-winger.”

Jonas later explained those comments were made when he was not in government and was speaking as an activist.

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