Meyer’s main objective should be to repair SA–US trade relations: DA

The newly appointed SA ambassador to the US, Roelf Meyer.

The DA says Roelf Meyer’s primary objective should be the swift repair of South Africa’s trade relations with the US.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Meyer as the newly appointed ambassador to the US on Tuesday.

The DA’s spokesperson on International Relations, Ryan Smith, says as a veteran politician and skilled negotiator, Meyer is a good pick for the position.

Smith says skilled diplomacy is needed to repair relations with the Trump administration.

“Mr Meyer will also need to reassure the USA that SA remains part of the world’s liberal democratic order. He will struggle to do this as long as the ANC continues to antagonise the USA in public support for Iran and its Islamic regime, as well as its increasing proximity to Russia. It is critical to have a capable envoy to the USA, but this must also be complemented by SA recommitting itself to non-alignment and upholding our constitutional values if we want to win back trust and credibility.”

BREAKING NEWS | President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States. SABC News Specialist Correspondent Sophie Mokoena has more details. pic.twitter.com/wvRsFyQKQ8

— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 14, 2026