President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed veteran politician and peace negotiator Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s next ambassador to the United States, replacing Ebrahim Rasool, who was declared persona non grata in 2025 after criticising US President Donald Trump’s administration.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Meyer will assume his duties once diplomatic protocols in Washington have been finalised.
Meyer, 78, is a former National Party politician who played a key role in negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and later served in the Government of National Unity under former president Nelson Mandela.
Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has expressed support for the appointment, citing Meyer’s extensive experience in conflict resolution.
“Knowing him, he’s a good listener, he’s a seasoned politician. For him, this deployment is like a Sunday afternoon picnic. This is no crisis,” Holomisa said.
However, the Activists and Citizens Forum has criticised the decision. Spokesperson Dennis Bloem described the appointment as undermining the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle.
“There are many qualified, credible and competent leaders. President Cyril Ramaphosa went to the retirement village to fetch a 78-year-old Roelf Meyer,” he said.
The appointment has sparked debate over experience versus representation as South Africa seeks to strengthen its diplomatic ties with the United States.
VOC News
Photo: X/@USAmbRSA
