Washington and Pretoria Clash as Tariffs Loom, Raising Economic Stakes
In a stunning diplomatic blow, the United States has rejected South Africa’s special envoy Mcebisi Jonas, denying his visa and credentials since May 2025, a move the Democratic Alliance (DA) claims President Cyril Ramaphosa hid from the public.
Despite repeated U.S. warnings, Ramaphosa publicly defended Jonas on national TV in June, calling him a key figure in mending ties, a claim now exposed as misleading as 30% tariffs threaten South Africa’s economy in two weeks.
The DA alleges the Presidency ignored U.S. demands for an alternative envoy, following Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’s expulsion over criticism of President Trump.
With billions in exports at risk, the scandal has sparked calls for a credible replacement and a parliamentary probe.
This rift, amid U.S. funding cuts over land policies, highlights a deepening geopolitical divide with profound economic implications for South Africa.
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