President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reported consideration of appointing a white Afrikaner as South Africa’s next ambassador to the United States has sparked division within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), as diplomatic tensions with Washington continue to simmer.
According to senior ANC insiders, the potential nomination — believed to be aimed at improving relations with US President Donald Trump — is being met with growing resistance within the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). While the matter has not been formally tabled at NEC level, sources confirm it has been the subject of “corridor discussions” in recent weeks.
Among the names reportedly under consideration are Roelf Meyer, former Minister of Defence and key figure in the 1990s Codesa negotiations, and Marthinus van Schalkwyk, ex-National Party leader who later merged with the ANC and served as Minister of Tourism until 2014.
A source close to the deliberations said, “Some believe appointing an Afrikaner closely aligned with the ANC could be a strategic move to ease tensions and counter the narrative that Afrikaners are being persecuted in South Africa — a claim Trump has previously amplified.”
However, the idea has not been welcomed by all within the party. “A large segment of the NEC sees this as appeasement — a concession to Trump’s rhetoric,” the source added. “They’re concerned it may validate unfounded allegations of discrimination and signal weakness.”
Jonas, Patel also in the mix
Other names reportedly under discussion include Mcebisi Jonas, currently serving as Special Envoy to the US, and former Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel. Jonas, however, may face challenges due to a resurfaced 2020 video in which he described Trump as a “racist and homophobe,” raising questions about his diplomatic viability in the current climate.
One insider noted: “There’s division even over Jonas. Some say he’s already established connections in Washington, but others warn his past comments make him a liability in Trump’s second term.”
Despite the pushback, sources say the final decision lies with President Ramaphosa, though the ANC’s internal dynamics will heavily influence the outcome.
Diplomatic stakes high
The ambassadorial appointment comes at a tense moment in US–South Africa relations. President Trump has openly accused South Africa of persecuting white farmers and recently backed legislation in Congress that could pave the way for sanctions against South African officials perceived to be supporting America’s global adversaries.
In an effort to manage the situation, Ramaphosa appointed Jonas as special envoy earlier this year, a move interpreted by some analysts as a signal of intent to repair diplomatic ties.
Opposition backlash
The proposal has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela accused Ramaphosa of advancing an “Afrikaner agenda,” pointing to Meyer’s past as evidence of political continuity from apartheid-era compromises.
“Ramaphosa sold out 30 years ago with Roelf Meyer. Now he wants to do it again,” Ndhlela said.
The Presidency declined to comment, while ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri was unavailable at the time of publication.
Analysts weigh in
Political analyst Justice Malala said if Ramaphosa is serious about mending ties with the Trump administration, Van Schalkwyk may be the most pragmatic choice.
“He’s qualified, experienced, and well-placed to open doors in Washington,” Malala said. “An astute leader adapts to new global realities. Trump’s return signals a shift in global diplomacy, and South Africa must respond strategically.”
Malala also criticized South Africa’s diplomatic apparatus for failing to prepare for a Trump resurgence. “Any decent analyst at Dirco should’ve seen this coming,” he said.
The decision on the new ambassador is expected in the coming weeks. Until then, tensions in both Luthuli House and Washington are likely to remain high.