South Africa Names Roelf Meyer US Ambassador

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Roelf Meyer, a veteran negotiator from South Africa's transition out of apartheid, as the country's ambassador to the United States on April 14, 2026, filling a diplomatic vacancy that has persisted for over a year amid strained bilateral relations.

The announcement, confirmed by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, comes as South Africa seeks to mend ties with Washington following the expulsion of the previous ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, in March 2025. Rasool was declared persona non grata by the Trump administration after he criticized its policies on diversity, equity, immigration, and the Make America Great Again movement during a webinar hosted by a South African think tank. "I can confirm that President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr Roelf Meyer as South Africa's ambassador to the U.S.," Magwenya told reporters. Meyer, 78, is expected to assume the role immediately upon completion of diplomatic protocols in Washington.

Meyer's selection draws on his extensive experience in high-stakes negotiations. A lawyer by training, he served as a reformist minister in the apartheid-era National Party government and led its delegation during...