Despite backlash at his appointment of Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the US, President Cyril Ramaphosa has doubled down on his decision, arguing that Meyer is well qualified to “recalibrate” South Africa’s relationship with the US.

Meyer’s appointment received significant political backlash, with the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters calling for it to be withdrawn, claiming his appointment reflects a “dangerous” willingness by government to appease US President Donald Trump's “white supremacist whims by presenting a figure it said is 'palatable to white power structures'.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the political spectrum, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel on X described Meyer as an African National Congress cadre, accusing Meyer of being able to “dramatically reposition himself to suit his own personal interests”.

Ramaphosa has appointed Meyer as the new ambassador following a vacancy of over a year, after Ebrahim Rasool was expelled in March 2025.

Rasool was declared persona non grata by the Trump administration following tensions related to comments regarding US white supremacist movements and land reform in South Africa.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Local Economic Development Summit, in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, Ramaphosa described Meyer as a distinguished “loyal and patriotic South African”.

He noted that Meyer, who was the chief government negotiator for the National Party during the negotiations to end apartheid, had recently been involved in mediation processes in several countries.

Ramaphosa argued that this had sharpened his diplomatic skills.

“And when we needed to appoint an ambassador to the United States, I found him to be more than qualified to be able to work in the United States, recalibrate our relationship with the United States, interface with a number of stakeholders in the United States,” Ramaphosa explained.

Meyer had interfaced with several people in the US, in Capital Hill and in various departments, Ramaphosa revealed.

“… so already, a lot of interactions have taken place. So he is, for me, more than well qualified to execute this task of being South Africa's ambassador to the United States,” he stated.

Ramaphosa expressed confidence that Meyer’s credentials would be accepted by the Trump administration, the same way that South Africa accepted US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell’s credentials.

“He will represent South Africa very well. He has always flown the South African flag, and he will do so like all our ambassadors all over the world. And all we should do is to wish him well and the very best and give him all the support that he needs,” Ramaphosa stated.

The President acknowledged that the US remains the world’s largest economy and that it plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy, emphasising that it is the second largest trading partner to the country.

He added that there is much work to be done at the diplomatic level, to recalibrate the relationship with the US.

Ramaphosa said the recalibration must happen in a “respectful manner”, to take the country’s interests forward.

Meanwhile, Parliament Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said it was supporting Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Meyer to the role, describing Meyer as a “veteran South African architect of democracy and a versatile politician”.

Business Leadership South Africa also welcomed Meyer’s appointment, saying he demonstrated the maturity and political acumen needed to enhance and strengthen ties between South Africa and the US.