New US ambassador to be appointed soon, says Lamola

CAPE TOWN - International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola says a new US ambassador will be appointed soon, but the president had to appoint a special envoy first to lay the groundwork. 

The country's last US ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled from the US in March and was declared persona non grata for criticising Donald Trump.

Ramaphosa has since appointed Mcebisi Jonas as the special envoy to the US, but will still appoint the ambassador.

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The appointment of a special envoy does not negate the need to appoint an ambassador. It is still necessary that we must still appoint an ambassador.

He said Jonas must still lay the groundwork before Rasool's successor is confirmed.

"When the president is ready, he will definitely appoint an ambassador. But we want first the special envoy to lay the ground that will help us navigate these uncharted waters," said Lamola.