Summary
South Africa has chosen Roelf Meyer, a key figure in ending apartheid, as its new ambassador to the United States. This move follows a difficult year in relations between the two countries, including the expulsion of the previous ambassador and tensions over issues like land reform and refugee programs.
Key Facts
- Roelf Meyer helped end apartheid in South Africa during the 1990s.
- Meyer will become South Africa’s ambassador to the US once official procedures are finished.
- South Africa had no ambassador in Washington since March 2025 after President Trump expelled the previous ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool.
- Rasool was expelled due to his criticism of President Trump and the MAGA movement.
- President Trump froze most US aid to South Africa amid disputes over Israel and South African land laws.
- Trump also started a refugee program for white South Africans, claiming they face persecution.
- Meyer was part of the white Nationalist Party government but later joined the ANC in 2006.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Meyer worked together in the 1990s to negotiate the end of apartheid.
