Roelf Meyer (Photo: WIKUS DE WET / AFP)
By Christel Cornelissen and Tania Heyns
Former NP minister and negotiator Roelf Meyer is South Africa’s new ambassador to the USA.
Vincent Magwenya, Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson confirmed this news to Maroela Media on Tuesday evening.
“I can indeed confirm that President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mr. Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the USA.”
The 78-year-old Meyer was one of the main negotiators during talks to ensure South Africa’s democratic transition. He worked with Ramaphosa then and now now and played a central role in the negotiations with the ANC which eventually led to a political settlement for the country.
Roelf Meyer and Cyril Ramaphosa at the time during the negotiations (Photo: Verskaf/Pieter Mulder)
Meyer did not immediately respond to Maroela Media’s request for comment on Tuesday evening.
South Africans have been waiting for months to hear who Ramaphosa will send as ambassador to Washington in the hope of mending South Africa and the USA’s strained diplomatic relationship.
Relations between the USA and South Africa soured after pres. Donald Trump made his return to the White House in January last year. After the USA declared Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata last year and kicked him out of the country, South Africa has not appointed an ambassador again.
Roelf Meyer during the national convention. (Photo: Phill Magakoe / AFP)
Ramaphosa did recently accept the credentials of Brent Bozell, the US ambassador to South Africa – according to many, an indication of a possible recovery in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Bozell shared a photo of him with Meyer last month and described their meeting as a “privilege”. “Our countries share a commitment to dialogue, democratic values and cooperation to overcome contemporary challenges.”
A privilege to meet Roelf Meyer today and learn more about the work he did to help create South Africa’s democracy. Our countries share a commitment to dialogue, democratic values, and working together to address today’s challenges. pic.twitter.com/vxZds9M9ao
— U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa (@USAmbRSA) March 17, 2026