Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President Godrich Gardee says the appointment of Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s special envoy to the US is unfortunate. Jonas was appointed earlier this week by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Gardee was speaking on the sidelines of the Holy Cross Anglican Church in Orlando, Gauteng, while attending a Good Friday mass.

“For the fact that he is the chairperson of MTN, it will have a dent in the appointment. Because of what could be called a contradiction, or what we can call the economic relationship between MTN and Iran. Which is an arch enemy of the USA? And that alone, despite all that he has said about President Trump. Will actually have to be looked at by the Trump Administration.”

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ANC backs Jonas

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) first Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane says the party is fully behind Jonas’ appointment as special envoy to the US.

Speaking to SABC News in Kagiso, Gauteng, ahead of a Good Friday church sermon, Mokonyane says she is confident that Jonas will act in the best interests of South Africa.

“As for Comrade Mcebisi Jonas, I think we wish him well and we support his deployment as an envoy. Somebody who’s been sent for a particular period with a particular message and we hope that with his capabilities and his role in the bigger space of business, but also his political understanding of the environment, he’ll be able to tread in the best interest of the African National Congress and the people of South Africa.”