Cyril Ramaphosa promises to appoint experienced US ambassador amid shifting global dynamics

South Africa is finalising the appointment of a new ambassador to the US, President Cyril Ramaphosa told Parliament — promising a seasoned, globally astute diplomat with deep knowledge of US politics and markets.

This is as Pretoria recalibrates its foreign policy amid shifting global alliances.

The soon-to-be-announced envoy, Ramaphosa told Parliament on Tuesday, will be an experienced, globally-minded leader with deep knowledge of international politics and the American market.

“This is the type of person we are going to appoint,” Ramaphosa said.

“Countries these days, because the geopolitical situation has changed so much, are scratching their heads to find the most suitable people they can deploy in various markets... and we are doing the same.”

The remarks come amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity in global relations, particularly as Washington and Pretoria continue to navigate complex bilateral ties marked by trade, security, and global realignment tensions.

Notably, former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas was at one point earmarked for the influential post, according to the government.

Jonas, a prominent figure both in South African political circles and on the international stage, is still in Ramaphosa’s books.

His appointment would have sent a strong signal to both markets and political observers of Pretoria’s intent to prioritise seasoned leadership in Washington.

Jonas gained prominence after his public stance against state capture during the Zuma administration, earning credibility as a reformist and a principled figure.

However, the reasons for the delay or shift in nomination remain unclear.

Ramaphosa’s comments suggest that the government is aligning its diplomatic corps more closely with global strategic demands.

“We will be deploying a number of others to other markets and locales,” he noted, hinting at a broader diplomatic recalibration.

As South Africa seeks to assert itself within an increasingly multipolar world, the next ambassador to the US will play a critical role — not just in representing Pretoria’s interests, but in recalibrating the tone and substance of a key bilateral relationship.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics