Ambassador Meyer says government neglects South Africans abroad
Roelf Meyer, South Africa's ambassador to the United States, says South African-born people in the US could help ease strained relations and grow trade. He spoke in Cape Town at the launch of his political memoir.
Meyer said the government should tap into successful South African-born businesspeople in the US. He said restoring relations with the US is important for investment and job creation.
Meyer, who is 79, has served as a diplomat in the US for the past three months. He said he is committed to smoothing tense relations after punitive actions by President Donald Trump. He said each day in the job has been one of learning.
The report on Trump's actions links them to disinformation about attacks on white farmers. On his own role, Meyer said: "I would like to succeed with this job. I hope we can. But it doesn't depend on me."
Key facts
- Who
- Roelf Meyer (South Africa's Ambassador to the United States); Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa); Donald Trump (President of the United States)
- What
- Meyer, in Cape Town to launch his political memoir, said the government should tap South African-born businesspeople in the US and that restoring US-SA relations is important for investment and jobs. He said he is committed to smoothing tense relations after punitive actions by President Donald Trump.
- When
- 27 October 2026
- Where
- Cape Town, Washington, United States
- Status
- Reported