Бывший переговорщик по апартеиду Роель Майер стал послом ЮАР в США

Roelf Meyer reflects on apartheid, democracy and his surprise return to public service as US ambassador Kabous Le Roux 16 July 2026 | 9:40Roelf Meyer opens up about joining the National Party, negotiating South Africa's democratic transition, and why he accepted President Cyril Ramaphosa's call to become ambassador to the US. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (CL) and Former Minister and constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer (CR) looks at attendees during the first National Convention at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP) South Africa's ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, says the moment he first took his seat in Parliament under apartheid convinced him the country's political system was fundamentally flawed. Speaking to 702’s Clement Manyathela, Meyer reflected on his journey from a young lawyer to National Party politician, his role in negotiating South Africa's democratic transition and his unexpected appointment as ambassador to Washington. RELATED: Trump accepts credentials of SA’s new ambassador Roelf Meyer Politics was always part of the plan Meyer said he developed an interest in politics as a child and felt it was almost inevitable that he would eventually enter public life. Although he believed he had a promising legal career ahead of him, he accepted the call to become a Member of Parliament at the age of 31. "I struggle to say no," Meyer admitted, joking that it has been a recurring theme throughout his life. Before entering Parliament, he said he had gained leadership experience through student politics, cultural organisations and professional bodies, making the transition into national politics less daunting. 'It was unacceptable' Despite joining the National Party government, Meyer said he immediately recognised the injustice of the political system. He recalled sitting on the green benches of Parliament for the first time and realising that the institution represented only a small minority of South Africans. "What we had in South Africa was unrealistic, it was unacceptable, it was unjustifiable.” Meyer said the realisation became the driving force behind his determination to work for political change. He added that there were members within the National Party who increasingly recognised that apartheid had to end, pointing to former foreign minister Pik Botha as one of the prominent voices calling publicly for change. Democracy was forged under enormous pressure As the National Party's chief negotiator during the constitutional negotiations of the early 1990s, Meyer worked alongside Cyril Ramaphosa, then representing the ANC. Looking back, Meyer said many South Africans underestimate just how close the country came to civil war. "South Africa was on the brink of a civil war at the end of the 1980s." He said the Constitution emerged from negotiations that prevented that outcome and transformed South Africa into a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. Meyer described the period as one of constant pressure, with negotiations repeatedly threatened by violence, right-wing groups, left-wing organisations and major political crises. He highlighted several pivotal moments, including the 1992 white-only referendum, the Boipatong massacre, the Record of Understanding negotiated with Ramaphosa after talks nearly collapsed, and the assassination of Chris Hani. According to Meyer, the Record of Understanding became the real breakthrough that allowed negotiations to move forward. A temporary mission became a full-time appointment Meyer also explained how he ended up accepting President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment as South Africa's ambassador to the United States. He said he initially suggested travelling to the US for three months to assess South Africa's diplomatic challenges and identify areas where the country could improve its engagement. Instead, the president later asked him to take up the ambassadorial post permanently. Meyer said the request came as a complete surprise. "I didn't have in mind to become a full-time representative for the country." However, because he had originally proposed the idea of helping improve relations with the US, he felt a responsibility to accept the role if he believed he could contribute. Speaking about his work in Washington, Meyer confirmed he has already presented his credentials to US President Donald Trump and said South Africa remains engaged in ongoing discussions with the American administration about perceptions that need to be addressed. Get the whole picture 💡 Take a look at the topic timeline for all related articles.