South Africa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era negotiator, as its new ambassador to the United States, diplomatic sources confirmed Thursday. Meyer will replace the previous envoy, who was expelled by then-President Donald Trump in 2025 amid strained relations between the two nations.
Meyer, 78, played a pivotal role in negotiating South Africa’s transition to democracy in the 1990s as a senior member of the National Party government. His appointment comes at a sensitive time for U.S.-South Africa relations, which have been tested by Pretoria’s non-aligned stance on global conflicts and its ties with Russia.
‘This is a strategic choice signaling Pretoria’s desire for experienced diplomatic hands during turbulent times,’ said a senior African diplomat familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. ‘Meyer understands both Western capitals and African realities.’
The move follows months of vacancy in the crucial Washington post after Trump expelled Ambassador Nomaindia Mfeketo following South Africa’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts note Meyer’s appointment may face scrutiny given his historical ties to the apartheid regime, though supporters highlight his later work with Nelson Mandela’s government.
Foreign policy experts suggest Meyer’s first challenge will be navigating U.S. concerns over South Africa’s participation in BRICS and its growing economic ties with China. The appointment comes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections in the U.S., where African policy has become an increasingly partisan issue.