Jonas’ absence at meeting with Trump not a train smash, says Presidency
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation are meeting Trump at the White House on Wednesday evening.
Mcebisi Jonas in studio with Stephen Grootes after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him as special envoy to the US. Picture: 702
JOHANNESBURG - Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says South Africa’s special envoy to the United States, Mcebisi Jonas' absence at the meeting with President Donald Trump is not a train smash.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation are meeting Trump at the White House on Wednesday evening.
The meeting aims to address and improve the strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States.
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However, questions have been raised about why Jonas is not accompanying Ramaphosa to the meeting despite being the special envoy to America.
Magwenya clarified that although Jonas is not part of the official delegation, he played a role in the preparations leading up to the meeting.
"His role is a backroom role. He has been involved in the preparation leading up to today [Wednesday], so his absence has no consequence to the meeting, and he will continue with other engagements following this meeting."