South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, has called for direct talks between Pretoria and Washington to ease strained diplomatic relations, expressing hope that dialogue can break the current deadlock. Speaking in Cape Town on Monday, October 26, during the launch of his political memoir, Meyer acknowledged that relations between the two countries remained tense. He said both sides needed to engage directly to resolve their differences and protect their shared economic interests. “My view is that it can be addressed if there is direct dialogue between the US and the South African authorities,” Meyer said, adding that talks could eventually lead to negotiations. Relations have deteriorated under US President Donald Trump, with disagreements over South Africa’s land reform policies, racial issues, trade and foreign policy. Trump has promoted allegations of a “white genocide” in South Africa, claims rejected by Pretoria.
Washington has also introduced visa restrictions targeting certain South Africans and launched a resettlement program for white Afrikaners who claim to face persecution. The diplomatic dispute has also affected bilateral engagement, with Washington refusing to accredit South African representatives for US-hosted G20 meetings, including the December summit. Meyer, appointed ambassador in April 2026, brings experience from South Africa’s transition to democracy. He served as chief negotiator for the apartheid-era government during talks that helped pave the way for the end of white minority rule. He said restoring relations was important not only for diplomacy but also for trade, investment and job creation.
A key concern for Pretoria is South Africa’s future access to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US program that provides eligible African countries with preferential access to American markets. Although the program has been extended through December 2028, eligibility remains subject to review. Meyer said direct engagement was needed to ensure both governments understood each other’s positions before decisions were made that could affect economic ties. Despite the tensions, the ambassador said he remained hopeful that dialogue could help rebuild relations between the two countries.
