It’s an appointment that’s already dividing opinion across the political spectrum. President Cyril Ramaphosa has named Roelf Meyer—a key figure from the final years of apartheid—as South
Africa’s new ambassador to the United States. The reaction has been mixed. Some see Meyer as a
seasoned negotiator with the experience needed to repair strained diplomatic ties. Others question
whether his political past—and shifting affiliations—make him the right person to represent a
democratic South Africa on the global stage. The appointment comes at a critical time. Relations
between Pretoria and Washington have been under pressure, particularly after the expulsion of former
ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, and amid tensions with US President Donald Trump. So tonight, we ask: is this a strategic move to stabilise relations—or a controversial gamble that raises more
questions than answers?

It&rsquo;s an appointment that&rsquo;s already dividing opinion&nbsp;across the political spectrum.&nbsp;President Cyril Ramaphosa has named Roelf Meyer&mdash;a&nbsp;key figure from the final years of apartheid&mdash;as South Africa&rsquo;s new ambassador to the United States.&nbsp;The reaction has been mixed. Some see Meyer as a seasoned negotiator with the experience needed to&nbsp;repair strained diplomatic ties. Others question whether his political past&mdash;and shifting&nbsp;affiliations&mdash;make him the right person to represent a democratic South Africa on the global stage. The appointment comes at a critical time. Relations between Pretoria and Washington have been under&nbsp;pressure, particularly after the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, and amid tensions with&nbsp;US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;So tonight, we ask: is this a strategic move to stabilise&nbsp;relations&mdash;or a controversial gamble that raises more questions than answers?

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope