The Democratic Alliance (DA) has described the appointment of Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States as a fairly strong choice, despite acknowledging that no diplomatic appointment is ever perfect.
Party representative Ryan Smith said Meyer’s experience, credibility, history, and stature could prove beneficial, particularly in dealing with the current US administration under President Donald Trump, which he characterised as favouring “strong man politics.”
“Rolf Meyer is a fairly good appointment,” Smith stated. “The Trump administration very much engages in strong man politics and they like individuals who have credibility and have history and have stature and I think that certainly Roelf Meyer brings that to the appointment.”
Smith noted that while the success of the appointment in stabilising trade relations remains to be seen, Meyer’s vast experience and negotiation skills could serve him well in the role. “The proof is in the pudding,” he added.
The DA representative highlighted potential challenges, pointing to South Africa’s foreign policy direction. He emphasised the importance of South Africa reaffirming its commitment to the principle of non-alignment, rooted in the country’s Constitution and its founding values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Smith expressed concern over public proclamations of support for countries such as Iran and what he described as proximity to Russia, arguing these could impede relations. He stressed that non-alignment should enable South Africa to pursue trade on an equal-opportunity basis with all partners, benefiting developing economies like South Africa.
Responding to questions about Meyer’s ANC membership and his role in representing the president, Smith distinguished between representing the president and upholding the country’s broader constitutional principles.
“Yes, an ambassador represents the president in a particular nation but they also represent existentially what their country stands for,” he said. “Mr Roelf Meyer has to first and foremost make a commitment to South Africa’s liberal democratic order… to the principle of non-alignment that South Africa has aligned itself to.”
Smith concluded that, underpinned by these principles, there is significant room for a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States.
On South Africa’s priorities in the diplomatic engagement, Smith was unequivocal: trade must come first. He noted that the US remains South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, with the country heavily reliant on the American market for exports, especially in agriculture and automotive sectors. Tens or hundreds of thousands of South African jobs depend on this relationship.
“It really is about putting aside political differences, putting aside personal opinions of presidents and administrations and focusing on what is good for South Africa and what is good for the people of the USA,” Smith said. “That is a thriving trade relationship.”
He added that in the context of the Government of National Unity, fostering strong bilateral ties is essential for economic growth, attracting foreign direct investment, and creating jobs. Any impediments to trade—whether from domestic policy or other disputes—should be resolved quickly, with South Africa adopting a serious approach to economic diplomacy.
The comments come after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of the veteran negotiator Meyer, who played a key role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid in the 1990s.
This article is based on the Democratic Alliance’s televised reaction and presents the party’s views as expressed by its representative.
