Ramaphosa braves backlash for appointing Roelf Meyer as ambassador to US

President Cyril Ramaphosa has shrugged off criticism from some quarters over his choice of political negotiator and long-time ally Roelf Meyer to represent the country in the United States (US).

With the position having been vacant for more than a year, Ramaphosa’s pick was being keenly watched.

The FF Plus, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) are among political parties that disapprove of the choice because of Meyer’s political past.

But Ramaphosa believes Meyer is more than up to the task.

Ramaphosa said Meyer’s political career aside, his more recent work as a skilled conflict mediator and negotiator stands him in good stead to reset South Africa’s fraught relationship with the US.

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“At the diplomacy level, there’s quite a lot of work that needs to be done, to calibrate and in some ways repair the relationship with the United States in a very respectful manner, in a manner that will take our interests forward.”

While the Democratic Alliance (DA) is giving Meyer the benefit of the doubt, they say he will have his work cut out for him because of the ANC’s foreign allegiances to countries such as Russia and Iran.

Member of Parliament (MP) Ryan Smith said restoring South Africa’s trade relations with the world’s biggest economy should be Meyer’s main priority.

“It is critical to have a capable envoy to the USA, but this must also be complemented by South Africa recommitting itself to non-alignment and upholding our constitutional values if we want to win back trust and credibility.”

Ramaphosa said he’s more than hopeful that the US will accept Meyer’s credentials to serve as ambassador.