Summary
South Africa has chosen Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era negotiator, as its new ambassador to the United States. This move aims to improve the strained relationship between the two countries following tensions during President Donald Trump’s second term. Meyer replaces Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled from the U.S. after criticizing the Trump administration.
Key Facts
- Roelf Meyer was a chief negotiator during the talks that ended apartheid in South Africa in the 1990s.
- Meyer joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 2006 and worked closely with current South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the transition to democracy.
- South Africa’s previous ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled in March 2025 after he criticized President Trump’s policies and views.
- President Trump accused South Africa of racial discrimination against white Afrikaners and gave refugee priority to white South Africans over other groups.
- Meyer has said it is important to restore good relations between South Africa and the U.S.
- The U.S. State Department must complete official procedures before Meyer can start his role as ambassador.
- Some South African Afrikaner groups have lobbied in the U.S., claiming white farmers face racially motivated violence—claims that South African authorities dispute.
- President Trump has falsely claimed there is a "white genocide" happening in South Africa.
