Roelf Meyer appointed SA Ambassador to the US

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday announced the appointment of former CODESA negotiations lead negotiator Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s next ambassador to the United States, in a move seen as a strategic effort to stabilise diplomatic relations between the two countries. Meyer replaces Ebrahim Rasool, who vacated the position following his expulsion by the US government last year. Announcing the appointment, Ramaphosa struck a confident tone, describing Meyer as a seasoned negotiator with the requisite experience to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy.

“He is more than qualified. He will represent South Africa very well. He has always flown the South African flag very high,” Ramaphosa said.

Meyer is widely regarded as one of the key architects of South Africa’s democratic transition, having played a central role in negotiations that brought an end to apartheid Ramaphosa conceded that Meyer was being appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to the US at a time when relations between the two countries were at an all-time low. “At the diplomacy level, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done,” he said. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa – who in the 90s co- founded the party with Meyer said the CODESA lead negotiator was the best person for the US job. However, EFF leader Corne Mulder said the fact that despite representing the defunct National Party during the CODESA negotiations Meyer subsequently joined the ANC, raising questions about his integrity.