South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been appointed special envoy to South Sudan after President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined his functions in the government, according to South African media.

Ramaphosa wrote to Mashatile, explaining the work required of him during his term as deputy president.

Mashatile will also become leader of government business in Parliament. This is the same role his predecessor, David Mabuza, performed in the past five years.

Ramaphosa said the deputy president’s role in South Sudan meant he would also be involved in other peace missions in Africa.

South Africa has soldiers involved in peace missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mozambique and other parts of the continent.