South Africa Appoints Apartheid-Era Negotiator Roelf Meyer as US Ambassador

South Africa Appoints Apartheid-Era Negotiator Roelf Meyer as US Ambassador

South Africa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former chief negotiator for the apartheid government during the talks that ended white rule in the 1990s, as its new ambassador to the United States. This move is widely viewed as a strategic attempt to improve the deeply strained diplomatic relationship between the two nations, which has been marred by false accusations of "white genocide" from the US.

Replacing an Expelled Ambassador

Meyer replaces Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled from his post in March 2025 after criticising the Trump administration. Rasool had described Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement as a "supremacist" response to demographic shifts in the US, leading to his dismissal by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who labelled him a "race-baiting politician who hates America." Since then, South Africa has been without an ambassador in Washington, creating a significant diplomatic void.

Meyer's Background and Role

Roelf Meyer, an Afrikaner, served as a reformist minister in the last apartheid government. During the negotiations that led to democracy in 1994, he was the counterpart to Cyril Ramaphosa, who represented the African National Congress (ANC) and is now South Africa's president. The two formed a close rapport during those critical talks, which has been highlighted as a key factor in Meyer's appointment. Meyer later joined the ANC in 2006, demonstrating his commitment to the post-apartheid era.

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In a statement, Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, indicated that Meyer would not be giving interviews until his credentials are accepted by the US. "At this stage, until all administrative protocols have been completed in Washington, it would be unwise for him to be speaking to the media now. I don't have a sense of timelines, as it's a state department process and we have no control over it," Magwenya said.

Strained US-South Africa Relations

Since Donald Trump began his second term, the US president has repeatedly accused South Africa's government of racial discrimination against white Afrikaners, who led the country during apartheid. Trump has falsely claimed there is a "white genocide" in South Africa, a narrative promoted by conservative Afrikaner groups like AfriForum, which has lobbied in Washington. Meyer has criticised these groups, stating they are "distorting the picture" and not speaking on behalf of all Afrikaners.

Additionally, the Trump administration has prioritised white South Africans as refugees in the US while restricting almost all other refugees. It has also criticised South Africa's affirmative action policies and its case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, further straining ties.

Meyer's Views on the Appointment

In July 2025, Meyer emphasised the importance of restoring relations with the US, calling it an "important partner" that cannot be ignored. "We have to work at restoring that relationship. I think it's very important," he said. "And I think maybe there is something of a blame going our way, and that is that we didn't pay enough attention to keeping that relationship going over a period of time, even pre this current administration's period."

Despite his enthusiasm, the 78-year-old initially expressed reservations about taking on the role, noting that the hard work of being ambassador requires "youthful energy" and that someone of his age might not be ideal. However, his experience as a negotiator, both in South Africa and in brokering agreements elsewhere under difficult circumstances, has been praised by experts.

Expert Opinion and Future Outlook

Professor John Stremlau, a US-Africa relations expert at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, described Meyer as "the right person, at the right time." He highlighted Meyer's skills as an "excellent and experienced negotiator" who can help "stabilise the relationship" between South Africa and the US. This appointment comes at a critical juncture, as both countries seek to navigate complex geopolitical and domestic challenges.

The move underscores South Africa's commitment to diplomatic engagement, even amid contentious issues. As Meyer prepares to take up his post, the focus will be on whether his historical ties and negotiating prowess can bridge the divide and foster a more cooperative bilateral relationship.