In a surprising move amid strained South Africa-US relations, President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly considering four white Afrikaners – including former negotiator Roelf Meyer – for the ambassador role, while retaining Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy.
According to The Sunday Times, government sources indicate Meyer – Ramaphosa’s counterpart in the 1990s Codesa talks – is a top contender.
The pair, dubbed “R&R,” played a pivotal role in South Africa’s democratic transition and were known for their close rapport.
Other potential candidates include Marthinus van Schalkwyk, ex-leader of the National Party (NP), who later joined the ANC and served as tourism minister and ambassador to Australia.
Also in the mix are ANC veteran Andries Nel, deputy justice minister, and Gerhardus Koornhof, presidential parliamentary counsellor and son of late NP minister Piet Koornhof.
The reshuffle follows the recall of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool after his criticism of US President Donald Trump, signaling a cautious approach to diplomatic appointments.
The Presidency says it has noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Ebrahim Rasool.
In a terse statement issued early on Saturday, (15 March 2025), the Presidency urged, “all relevant and impacted stakeholders to maintain the established diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter”.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America”.
US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio Says SA Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool Is ‘Not Welcome’
In a post on X Rubio all but expelled South Africa’s Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool saying: “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country.
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“We have nothing to discuss with and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
It appears Rubio was upset over comments the ambassador reportedly made in Johannesburg that were critical of the Trump administration.
