South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, has called for urgent efforts to rebuild relations with Washington, warning that the current tensions between the two countries cannot continue indefinitely.
Meyer made the remarks on Monday at the Cape Town Press Club during the launch of his political memoir. He described the United States as a critical partner for South Africa and said improving bilateral relations was one of his key responsibilities as ambassador.
The comments come amid renewed friction between Pretoria and Washington over several political and policy issues. Meyer said his priority was to help ease the tensions rather than assign blame.
Visa restrictions add to diplomatic tensions
Relations between South Africa and the US have faced pressure following the announcement of new visa restrictions by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The measures target foreign nationals accused of involvement in race-based discrimination and uncompensated land seizures in South Africa.
US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly criticised South Africa since returning to the White House. Among the disputed claims he has made are allegations that white Afrikaners are being systematically killed in the country. Those claims have been challenged and lack supporting evidence.
Meyer acknowledged that relations between the two governments were strained and said both sides needed to find a way forward.
He declined to blame either country, arguing that doing so would not help resolve the dispute. Instead, he said his role was to work towards restoring the relationship as effectively and quickly as possible.
The ambassador had recently returned from Washington before attending the Cape Town event. He said his experience of visiting the US dozens of times over more than four decades had reinforced his understanding of the importance of maintaining strong ties.
Meyer pointed to the size of the American economy as one reason South Africa should prioritise the relationship. He said he was prepared to act as a messenger between the two sides, whether that meant persuading officials in Washington or communicating with people in South Africa.
Investment and employment are central concerns
For Meyer, the relationship is about more than diplomatic exchanges. He said cooperation with the US has implications for South Africa’s economic growth, investment prospects and efforts to create jobs.
More than 600 American companies operate in South Africa, according to Meyer. Their presence underscores the commercial links between the two countries and the importance of maintaining a workable environment for trade and investment.
Meyer said South Africa needed to improve its relationship with the US at both political and trade levels. Creating employment, he added, remained a central objective, making economic cooperation an important consideration in efforts to reduce tensions.
The ambassador also reflected on South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy during the launch of his memoir. He described the ability to maintain a united middle ground during the transition as one of its important achievements.
Meyer said a significant shift took place when negotiators moved away from concentrating on what they wanted to preserve from the past and began asking what they wanted to build for the future.
He also stressed the central role of the Constitution in South Africa’s democracy. In his view, neither the president, the executive nor Parliament stands above the Constitution. He identified the Constitutional Court as the body responsible for adjudicating constitutional matters.
Meyer described constitutional supremacy as a cornerstone of the democratic transition and a foundation of the country’s political system.
His remarks place the current diplomatic dispute in a wider context: South Africa must manage political differences while protecting opportunities for cooperation. Whether through trade, investment or direct engagement between officials, restoring a stable relationship with Washington remains a key challenge for Pretoria.