Latest news with #Magwenya
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Mcebisi Jonas's absence from Ramaphosa-Trump meeting sparks controversy
Special envoy Mcebisi Jonas was not be part of the South African delegation that met US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Image: FILE The Presidency has a statement on the absence of the Special Envoy to the United States Mcebisi Jonas from the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump, saying that Jonas had volunteered not to attend. This despite reports indicating that Jonas had not been granted a visa by the US and was in London when the crucial meeting took place. Magwenya confirmed that Jonas holds a valid visa for travel to the United States but had decided not to attend after being part of the preparatory process prior to the meeting. "Initial interpretations of procedural matters, communicated in good faith, have been amended following confirmation that Mr. Jonas holds a valid visa for travel to the United States of America,' Magwenya said. He said Jonas contributed to preparatory engagements before the meeting, including consultations abroad, but his absence from Washington was at his own request. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, it emerged that the Trump administration had raised concerns about Jonas's inclusion in the delegation, due to his previous comments about Trump. In 2020, Jonas referred to Trump as "a racist, homophobic and a narcissistic right-winger," which resurfaced after his appointment as Special Envoy to the US. Magwenya indicated that the president may have to consider alternative envoys if the issues surrounding Jonas are not resolved. Jonas' appointment came amid tensions between SA and the US, particularly in light of a recent US funding freeze due to false accusations that the SA government is readying itself to illegally grab land and were involved in a white Afrikaner genocide. Magwenya, said part of the reason Jonas was not in Washington was because the Trump administration raised some "displeasure" about Jonas. Sources close to Ramaphosa and the ANC said that prior to the departure of Ramaphosa's delegation, there had been disagreements on whether to take Jonas, especially if this would displease Trump. 'The majority of the president's counsel wanted Jonas to go, but others said that he would just be an obstacle for the delegation when they arrived,' a source said. The controversy surrounding Jonas' absence has put pressure on Ramaphosa to choose an ambassador preferable to the Trump administration. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has begun the process of finding a replacement for expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, who was declared "persona non grata" by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Several names have been touted as potential candidates to replace Rasool, including former Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel. Also considered are senior Afrikaans political figures like former defense minister Roelf Meyer, former tourism minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, deputy justice minister Andries Nel and Ramaphosa's counsel in parliament Gerdhadus Koornhof. Political analyst Sandile Swana said Ramaphosa was not under pressure to choose any other envoy because he had met with Trump with ministers and created an opportunity for detailed conversations to take place at a ministerial level. 'An envoy is not an ambassador…So once the reset has been done, then an ambassador can kick in and run the operation in accordance with what would have been agreed on in these discussions,' Swana said.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa's bilateral messaging 'measured, not clumsy, says Vincent Magwenya
President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump at the media briefing in the White House in Washington DC. Image: GCIS Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has addressed criticism over South Africa's communication approach during the recent bilateral engagements with the United States, particularly surrounding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Magwenya clarified that what some have labelled as 'clumsy messaging' was, in fact, a calculated diplomatic stance by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was 'never going to allow himself to be dragged through the mud of political theatres.' Magwenya acknowledged that there were divergent tones during the event, with some South African delegates appearing unprepared or surprised when asked to speak. 'You would have noticed that Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Johann Rupert did not expect to talk. You could see that they were taken by surprise when they were asked to say something,' he said. He added that these individuals typically avoid political commentary and instead focus on golf. 'Ernie and Retief, when they do speak to the media, [they] talk about golf. They don't address complex political issues.' Responding to concerns that the South African delegation lacked coherence, Magwenya insisted that 'the President delivered the script as it was planned,' emphasising South Africa's intention to trade and engage constructively. 'What we're going to get out of this bilateral engagement is not what you saw and what the public saw. It's what's being discussed now behind closed doors.' The spokesperson highlighted the strategic goal of securing either a continued position within AGOA trade scheme for the benefit of South Africa and that of the continent or establishing 'a firm foundation to start reshaping a new trade relationship framework.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ When pressed on why the delegation did not more forcefully refute controversial narratives, such as the claim of 'white genocide' in South Africa, Magwenya defended the President's composure: 'You could see that President Ramaphosa being provoked, you could see he was having his eyes popping and he did not fall for the trap. ''The president did well in stepping back from that confrontational posture,'' said Magwenya. He described the President's performance as 'measured' and 'diplomatic,' crediting this approach with maintaining engagement momentum: 'He was never going to allow himself to be dragged through the mud of political theatres. Even now, more than an hour later, they are still logged in a meeting, which has included a working lunch. He noted that in previous experiences, either President would have left without even staying for lunch.' Magwenya highlighted that the delegation chose diplomacy over drama. 'There was a well-planned ahead-of-time political theatre show that was going to be delivered. And they delivered it. And we think now, going forward, we're going to be guided by more substantive issues.'' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
The South African
20-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Cyril Ramaphosa coy on whether he'll meet Elon Musk on US trip
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Washington DC for a high-level Working Visit aimed at resetting and revitalising South Africa's bilateral relations with the United States. Touching down on Monday, Ramaphosa appeared upbeat as he greeted the media with a smile and wave before heading to his hotel. The visit will culminate on Wednesday with a meeting between President Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomacy. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described the visit as a 'significant step' in reshaping the bilateral economic and political relationship between the two nations. Magwenya emphasised that trade, particularly the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), will be at the centre of talks. AGOA allows duty-free access for selected sub-Saharan African exports to the US, but recent tariff hikes by the Trump administration – such as a 31% increase on South African goods – have cast uncertainty over its future. 'If the Trump administration has decided to do away with AGOA, we are ready to present a new framework for bilateral trade,' said Magwenya. The visit comes amid persistent US media narratives regarding the 'persecution' of white South African farmers. Magwenya dismissed such claims, asserting, 'The whole world knows there is no persecution of any particular race in South Africa.' He said the president will briefly address the matter, but will not let it overshadow the central goal of strengthening economic ties. Cyril Ramaphosa's visit also comes during South Africa's G20 Presidency. Questions were raised about the perceived absence of high-level US participation in recent ministerial meetings. Magwenya clarified that the US remains engaged in the G20 Troika and confirmed that an invitation to President Trump for the upcoming summit remains open. When asked about possible apprehension over meeting President Trump, Magwenya responded: 'No, he's not apprehensive at all. There may be robust discussions, but that's the nature of these engagements.' He also noted that the president is prepared, confident, and focused on a productive and mutually respectful dialogue. Speculation over a possible meeting with South Africa-born tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was addressed, with Magwenya saying the president's schedule is still being finalised and no such meeting has yet been confirmed. 'Well, we've just arrived. We're going to be briefed by our team that advanced here, and so we will take direction from them in terms of what has been done, what has been prepared, and the allocations.' President Cyril Ramaphosa is accompanied by a high-powered ministerial delegation, including: Ronald Lamola (International Relations and Cooperation) Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (Minister in the Presidency) Parks Tau (Trade, Industry and Competition) John Steenhuisen (Agriculture) Mcebisi Jonas (Special Envoy to the USA) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Ramaphosa ready for his meeting with Trump to reset US-SA relations
Magwenya told journalists that South Africa would be ready to outline a new trade relationship framework if things change. Ramaphosa, much like his hero, Tatu' Nelson Mandela, in 1990, will have to speak to race relations while in America THE DIFFERENCE? Madiba was speaking of a country trying to build a nation following apartheid. Ramaphosa has to discount race-based disinformation that seeks to paint the majority as a pariah. But his spokesperson Magwenya said this will not be the core of talks with US President Trump on Wednesday. "The whole world knows there's no such thing as a persecution of a particular race in South Africa, don't need to spend any effort dispelling something that is well-known that it's not there." Ramaphosa is the first African president to be hosted by Trump. The Daily Maverick is reporting that its billionaire, Johann Rupert, who greased the wheels for Ramaphosa with some in the president's camp, suggesting Rupert might be by the president's side come Wednesday.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa launches commission of inquiry into apartheid-era justice delays
The Presidency has announced a commission to investigate claims of interference in justice for apartheid-era crimes, following pressure from victims' families. President Cyril Ramaphosa is establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate attempts to prevent the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The commission will probe allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of crimes referred by the TRC to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 'Allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes have persisted from previous administrations,' the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday. Judicial commission of inquiry into apartheid-era crimes 'Through this commission, President Ramaphosa is determined that the true facts be established, and the matter brought to finality.' The victims' families brought court applications, and after holding settlement discussions, they, the Presidency, and other government bodies cited in the application jointly agreed to establish the commission. ALSO READ: Norway's anti-apartheid role acknowledged by South African struggle veterans The president's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said in his February 2025 statement that Ramaphosa supported the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry. 'Government has maintained that these outstanding matters would be most appropriately addressed through the Commission of Inquiry and will therefore be included in the Commission's terms of reference,' Magwenya said. 'President Ramaphosa continues to maintain that all affected families deserve closure and justice.' No settlement reached on other matters Magwenya added that the president understands the anguish and frustration of the victims' families, who have been fighting for justice for a long time. The government confirmed that, although the parties agreed to establish the commission, they were unable to reach a settlement on other matters related to the application. ALSO READ: Questions raised about the cause of Luthuli's death at new inquest into his death These include the application for an order that declares the actions of various government entities unlawful, a violation of the applicants' rights, and the State's payment of constitutional damages. Magwenya added that the government believes the commission is the most appropriate forum to address the outstanding matters, which it will include in the terms of reference. The government plans to seek a stay of application on these outstanding matters until the commission concludes its work and delivers its outcomes. Head, timelines and full terms of reference coming soon 'The president respects the decision of the families to continue to seek an order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts,' the spokesperson said. The presidency will soon announce the head of the Commission of Inquiry, its timelines, and the full terms of reference. NOW READ: NPA reopens inquests into Chief Albert Luthuli and Griffiths Mxenge's deaths
