President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his decision to appoint veteran politician Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s new ambassador to the United States, amid mixed reactions from across the political spectrum.

The Presidency confirmed Meyer’s appointment to several media houses on Tuesday, filling a key diplomatic post that has remained under scrutiny since former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was expelled by the administration of Donald Trump just over a year ago.

Meyer, who served as a Member of Parliament between 1979 and 1997, is widely known for his role as the National Party government’s chief negotiator during talks that led to the end of apartheid.

He later co-founded the United Democratic Movement alongside Bantu Holomisa, and went on to serve in the first post-1994 Cabinet under former President Nelson Mandela.

Ramaphosa stands by decision

Speaking on the sidelines of a National Local Economic Development summit in Boksburg, Ramaphosa said Meyer’s experience and political background make him well-suited for the role.

The president stressed that Meyer is “well attuned” to South Africa’s policies and governance approach, adding that criticism over his political affiliations is not new.

Ramaphosa noted that Meyer had previously faced backlash for joining the African National Congress (ANC), but remains confident in his ability to represent the country effectively on the global stage.

Critics question political appointment

However, the appointment has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly over concerns that the role should have gone to a career diplomat.

Kallie Kriel of AfriForum argued that South Africa needs a “principled ambassador” capable of engaging the United States in the country’s best interests, rather than what he described as another ANC-aligned deployment.

Kriel questioned Meyer’s consistency, citing his political shifts over the years as evidence of a lack of steadfastness.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also rejected the appointment, dismissing claims that it represents experience or stability.

In a statement, the party accused the government of attempting to appease perceived “white power structures” in the United States by selecting a figure it believes would be more acceptable to them.

Similarly, the Activists and Citizens Forum labelled the move “an insult” to anti-apartheid struggle veterans. The group’s Dennis Bloem criticised the selection of a former apartheid-era figure, arguing that younger and more representative leaders were overlooked.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has defended the appointment, describing it as “tactically sound.”

Mbalula took aim at AfriForum, suggesting the group was unhappy that an Afrikaner would challenge narratives such as claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Holomisa, now Deputy Minister of Defence and leader of the UDM, also expressed strong support for Meyer.

He highlighted Meyer’s role in the negotiations that ended apartheid and his experience in government, saying these credentials make him well-equipped to handle the diplomatic post.