Image @ BBC
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, yesterday, named Roelf Meyer, a prominent figure from the final apartheid administration, as South Africa’s new ambassador to the United States, according to an announcement from his office.
The nation has been without a chief envoy in Washington since Ebrahim Rasool was expelled last year for alleging that then- President of the United States, Donald Trump, was attempting to “project white victimhood as a dog whistle.” The incident further strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have deteriorated since President Trump’s return to office.
Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, confirmed Meyer’s appointment to the BBC, stating it would take effect “immediately.”
At 78 years old, Meyer was instrumental in mediating discussions that led to the dismantling of apartheid in the 1990s, working alongside Ramaphosa.
He represented the National Party, which implemented apartheid, while Ramaphosa stood for the African National Congress (ANC) led by Nelson Mandela. Their collaboration during this critical period fostered a lasting friendship, highlighted by a memorable fishing trip.
Meyer was part of a group of 32 influential South Africans chosen by Ramaphosa last year to steer a national dialogue aimed at tackling the country’s pressing issues. He served as the minister of constitutional affairs in the last apartheid government and later joined the government of national unity established in 1994 when Mandela assumed the presidency.
After two years, he departed from that role and co-founded the United Democratic Movement before eventually becoming a member of the ANC.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong