The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the United States of denying a diplomatic visa to Mcebisi Jonas, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's special envoy to the United States, in May 2025. The DA claims that Washington also rejected Jonas's credentials, effectively preventing him from performing his role. According to DA spokesperson Emma Powell, President Ramaphosa was aware of the visa denial for months but has downplayed the issue. The DA has called on the president to address the matter publicly. In response, the South African Presidency has condemned the DA's allegations, describing them as harassment and disinformation aimed at undermining the country's national interest. The Presidency maintains that the DA's campaign is intended to embarrass South Africa and rejects the claims about Jonas's diplomatic status. Additionally, sources indicate that since Jonas's appointment in April 2025, no U.S. officials have engaged with him. International relations experts have also questioned the deployment of Jonas amid these controversies.