Who will be SA’s man in Washington? — see what Ramaphosa says

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that South Africa is finalising the appointment of a new ambassador to the United States, promising a seasoned, globally astute diplomat with deep knowledge of US politics and markets.

Ramaphosa told Parliament on Tuesday that the appointment forms part of Pretoria’s broader recalibration of its foreign policy amid shifting global alliances and heightened tensions in US–SA relations over trade, security, and geopolitics.

“This is the type of person we are going to appoint,” Ramaphosa said, stressing the need for capable envoys in key global markets. He hinted at a wider diplomatic reshuffle to align South Africa’s foreign service with global strategic demands.

Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas was previously considered for the post, a move that would have signalled government’s intent to prioritise reform-minded leadership. Jonas, who gained prominence for his stance against state capture, has been serving as a special envoy to Washington, though questions remain about his role, with the DA claiming he has not yet set foot in the US.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s next ambassador to the United States will be a highly skilled, experienced, and globally minded individual with deep knowledge of the American market. pic.twitter.com/dHE4dhKZGF

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) September 9, 2025

The announcement comes as the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanded that the government appoint a professional, non-political diplomat to head the mission in Washington, warning against cadre deployment.

DA MP Ryan Smith said: “Washington is no place for cadre deployment and now, more than ever, South Africa needs to approach this diplomatic appointment with the seriousness it requires.”

Smith criticised the ANC’s history of appointing party loyalists to foreign missions, describing it as a misuse of South Africa’s diplomatic footprint. He argued that the GNU should jointly shape foreign policy to ensure South Africa pursues national rather than partisan interests.

South Africa’s diplomatic standing in Washington has been fragile since former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was declared an undesirable person by the Trump administration earlier this year.

Relations have further been strained by a 30% tariff hike on South African exports.

As Pretoria seeks to reset ties with Washington in a rapidly changing global order, the next ambassador will play a critical role in redefining the tone and substance of a key bilateral relationship.