Minister Ronald Lamola’s spokesperson has hit back at the Democratic Alliance (DA). This follows its claims that the United States denied Mcebisi Jonas a diplomatic visa.
The DA said the US rejected Jonas’ role as South Africa’s special envoy.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on 15 July, Chrispin Phiri accused the DA, lobby groups, and “fringe media platforms” of undermining national efforts to protect South Africa’s economic interests.
LAMOLA’S SPOKESPERSON TAKES SWIPE AT DA
Phiri said that the US tariffs are a global issue and it’s not unique to South Africa. He said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is currently handling the issue.
The spokesperson accused DA MP Emma Powell of leading a delegation to the United States. He said that the delegation sought help from the US to change foreign and other policies. Phiri stated that this resulted in negative views and sentiments about South Africa.
The spokesperson also criticised Powell’s trip to Israel with DA MP Andrew Whitfield. Phiri stated that the trip had been “rightfully criticised” for whitewashing Israel’s conduct.
JONAS DENIED ENTRY TO THE US
The DA alleges that Jonas was denied entry to the US in May. The party said that President Cyril Ramaphosa continued to claim he was acting as a special envoy. The Presidency has yet to respond officially to the claims.
The spokesperson dismissed DA MP Emma Louise Powell’s claims about Jonas’s lack of accreditation, calling it a “red herring.”
“Special envoys do not get accredited to a country. These are not diplomatic postings and do not require the presentation of credentials. Even envoys representing the US President do not publicly report on their work,” Phiri said.
How might the conflicting narratives between the DA and government spokespeople affect South Africa’s diplomatic relations and economic interests moving forward?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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