The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issues the following clarification to address misinformation:
False Attributions to Mr Mcebisi Jonas
DIRCO categorically denies the claims made by Semafor regarding an interview with His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to the United States, Mr Mcebisi Jonas. The statements attributed to Mr Jonas in the publication’s Friday newsletter are entirely unfounded. They neither reflect his views nor correspond to any actual interview, as no such engagement took place.
Ironically, the publication fabricated quotes attributed to the Special Envoy regarding efforts to address prevailing misinformation about South Africa in the United States. Regrettably, these assertions are entirely false.
At this time, Mr Jonas will not hold media engagements in order to dedicate his full attention to the critical responsibilities entrusted to him by the President. His mandate—to advance South Africa’s strategic partnership with the United States—remains his sole priority, and any distractions will not be entertained.
DIRCO reaffirms that Mr Jonas is an official representative of the South African Government, tasked with managing bilateral engagements with the United States. The government neither recognises, endorses, nor condones any unauthorised individuals or entities claiming to represent South Africa’s interests in formal or informal dialogues.
The South African Government vigorously dissociates itself from private individuals or groups purporting to act on its behalf. Such actions undermine the integrity of state-to-state relations. Stakeholders are urged to verify credentials directly through DIRCO’s official channels to avoid the spread of misinformation.
South Africa remains committed to transparent, accountable, and dignified diplomacy. We urge all stakeholders to rely solely on official communications for accurate information and to respect the integrity of Mr Jonas’s pivotal role in fostering international cooperation.
Enquiries: Mr Chrispin Phiri. Spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084