South Africa Names Ex-Apartheid Negotiator as New US Ambassador

Roelf Meyer, a veteran South African politician who played a key role in the country's transition to democracy, has been appointed as the country's new ambassador to the United States. Meyer will replace the previous South African ambassador who was expelled from the US by President Donald Trump in 2025.

Meyer is a former member of the National Party, which enforced the apartheid system of racial segregation in South Africa until the early 1990s. However, he later became a leading negotiator for the party, helping to broker the deal that led to the country's first democratic elections in 1994.

In the decades since, Meyer has remained an influential figure in South African politics, serving in various government roles and acting as a mediator in other conflict situations around the world. His appointment as ambassador to the US is seen as an effort by the current administration to bridge the divide between South Africa and the United States, which has been strained at times in recent years.

"Roelf Meyer has a proven track record of bringing people together and finding common ground," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a statement announcing the appointment. "His experience and relationships will be invaluable as we work to strengthen the strategic partnership between our two countries."

The former ambassador, who was expelled by Trump in 2025 amid a diplomatic dispute over South Africa's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was a controversial figure. Meyer's appointment is seen as an effort to reset relations and find a more constructive path forward.

"This is an important moment for South Africa and the United States," said Meyer in his own statement. "I am honored to take on this role and will work tirelessly to deepen the ties between our nations, based on mutual respect and shared interests."

Meyer's appointment must still be approved by the South African parliament, but is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. If approved, he will assume his new post in Washington, D.C. in the coming months.