Jonas will need to ‘tread carefully’ in US – analyst
A political analyst says patching up relations with the US may prove to be an uphill task for Mcebisi Jonas.
The former Deputy Finance Minister is now South Africa's special envoy to America.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says his duties include prioritising trade and strategic partnerships with the US.
Analyst Imraan Buccus says despite being a skilled politician, Jonas will have to tread carefully.
" This administration is not an easy one to face. There have been multiple provocations from the side of the US. We'll have to ensure that there's a well coordinated communication strategy. We want to build stronger relations with the US. You would've learned from the past, that there's a contested view on Ebrahim Rasool's comments."
READ: Jonas appointed special envoy to U.S
Jonas replaces former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled last month following critical remarks about US President Donald Trump.
Buccus says Jonas will need to work towards establishing trust and mutual understanding with the Trump administration.
" I think Jonas will have to correct the affirmation around the alleged Afrikaner prosecution and around land reform matters. He'll also need to talk about why our stance at the ICJ is really rooted in the principal commitment to international law."
