AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has lashed out at the appointment of Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, saying the country needs a principled envoy instead of what he called another ANC cadre.
Meyer’s appointment was made public on 15 April 2026. He is set to replace Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled from the US in 2025. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the appointment, according to IOL.
Kriel posted his criticism on X shortly after the news broke. He argued that Meyer was the wrong choice at a time when South Africa needs to manage a fragile relationship with Washington.
AfriForum CEO calls Meyer a political flip-flopper
Kriel accused Meyer of lacking political consistency. He pointed to Meyer’s journey from the National Party to later alignment with the ANC as proof that he shifts positions to suit his own interests.
In his X post, Kriel said South Africa needed an ambassador who could engage the United States “competently in the interest of South Africa”. He added that Meyer’s history did not reflect steadfastness.
Kriel’s criticism focused less on Meyer’s experience and more on his political credibility. He argued that South Africa cannot afford another deployment based on party loyalty.
Meyer steps into a tense diplomatic moment
Meyer takes up the role after a turbulent period in relations between Pretoria and Washington. Rasool was declared persona non grata by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 14 March 2025.
That followed remarks in which Rasool reportedly said US President Donald Trump was leading a white supremacist movement in America during a webinar. Rubio responded by accusing Rasool of hating Trump and race-baiting.
The pressure around South Africa’s diplomatic choices has only grown. President Cyril Ramaphosa also appointed Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the US on 14 April, but the US reportedly rejected his visa application after an older video resurfaced in which he called Trump a racist.
Appointment sparks political reaction
Kriel’s remarks quickly drew attention online, with many South Africans weighing in on Meyer’s appointment and what it means for the country’s standing abroad.
The criticism shows just how politically charged ambassador appointments have become. With tensions between South Africa and the US still in focus, Meyer’s appointment is already facing scrutiny before he even takes up the post.