era politician as new ambassador to the US

Key Points:

• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era politician and mediator in the transition to democracy, as the new ambassador to the US, filling a vacancy since last year's diplomatic tensions.
• Meyer, a white Afrikaner and former National Party member, played a key role in the negotiations to end apartheid and later joined the ANC, reflecting his reformist stance and long-standing relationship with Ramaphosa.
• The appointment has sparked mixed reactions domestically, with some praising the political strategy and experience Meyer brings, while others criticize his age and question the message it sends amid ongoing racial and political sensitivities.
• Right-wing Afrikaner groups have condemned Meyer as an opportunist and expressed concern about his selection, while analysts suggest his experience and profile may help improve strained US-South Africa relations, especially with figures like former President Trump.
• Ramaphosa defended the choice, emphasizing Meyer's alignment with South African policies and capability to effectively represent the country in Washington despite concerns about his age.