Was Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of US 'envoy' (instead of 'ambassador') strategic?
The rules regarding a host country's approval of a special envoy are less rigid than for other diplomats, such as an ambassador, explains Melanie Verwoerd.
FILE: A screengrab of Mcebisi Jonas during an interview on 6 March 2018. Picture: EWN
CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit speaks to Melanie Verwoerd, a political analyst and former ambassador to Ireland.
Listen below:
Amid the dire political relations between South Africa and the United States, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as a new special envoy.
It comes a month after the former US Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the US, accused of 'race-baiting' and 'hating America'.
But why not another ambassador, asks Kiewit.
ALSO READ: Presidency to focus on ‘resetting’ relationship with US after Rasool expulsion
"An ambassador is the official and highest representation of a country in another country."
- Melanie Verwoerd, Political analyst
As such, Verwoerd explains, the host country officially accredits the ambassador and the ambassador is bestowed with certain privileges.
"An ambassador has very broad responsibilities, so trade, tourism, consular work, anything that affects the country."
- Melanie Verwoerd, Political analyst
On the other hand, while an envoy is also regarded as a diplomat, they are usually sent by the government for a specific purpose.
"In this case, the president has said it's to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties."
- Melanie Verwoerd, Political analyst
"Also, it's usually on a temporary or short-term basis."
- Melanie Verwoerd, Political analyst
Crucially, the agreement of the host country as to the appointment of an envoy is not needed, unlike the role of ambassador.
"Before an ambassador goes to a foreign country, the host country has to agree to have them there. But with envoys, the process isn't that rigid."
- Melanie Verwoerd, Political analyst
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.