South Africa appoints former apartheid-era negotiator as US ambassador

South Africa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era negotiator, as its new ambassador to the United States. This appointment follows the expulsion of the previous South African ambassador from the U.S. by President Donald Trump in 2025. Meyer's selection signals South Africa's intent to send a seasoned diplomat with experience in complex political transitions to Washington. His background as a negotiator during South Africa's shift from apartheid to democracy could be seen as an effort to mend strained diplomatic relations. This move aims to stabilize the diplomatic ties between the two nations after the recent expulsion.