Experts divided on Ramaphosa's choice of Roelf Meyer as US envoy
via The Citizen14 min read
President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of Roelf Meyer as the US envoy has drawn mixed reactions from experts. While some praise Ramaphosa for a strategic choice, others express concerns. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel criticized the selection, calling Meyer an "ANC cadre" whose history shows a willingness to reposition himself for personal interests, arguing that a principled ambassador is needed. Political analyst Rene Oosthuizen questioned if the appointment addresses present-day diplomatic capacity, cautioning that basing diplomatic strategy on the unpredictability of figures like Donald Trump is a risk. She also expressed concern that this signals an unwillingness to develop new diplomatic talent. Conversely, Benjamin Rapanyane, a senior political science lecturer, highlighted Meyer's fundamental role as a chief mediator with Ramaphosa during apartheid talks, noting their lifelong friendship and Meyer's experience in government. Political analyst Daniel Silke described Meyer as highly capable and a skilled negotiator, suggesting Ramaphosa chose a non-ideological figure to reach out to the US and find common ground. Silke believes Ramaphosa "read the room right" with this appointment, which could be welcomed in diplomatic circles in Washington. Political analyst Piet Croucamp lauded Meyer as a "natural diplomat" with extensive experience in facilitating difficult conversations across continents, calling him well-suited for the challenging task of navigating US-South Africa re
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
The Democratic Alliance DA has filed an urgent application in the High Court in Pretoria to set aside the Tshwane special council meeting that resulted in the suspension of city manager Johann Mettler. The DA alleges that votes were manipulated during the meeting. DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink stated that 95 councillors voted against the suspension and 92 voted in favor, but council speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana deducted 13 votes. Brink claimed the meeting was called at short notice, lacked an agenda, and the speaker did not conduct a roll call before deducting votes. He further alleged that the speaker deducted 13 votes instead of nine, calling the meeting mismanaged and the votes tampered with. The DA is seeking either to set aside the meeting or to order a new one, instructing the speaker not to "rig the votes." Brink suggested Mettler is being targeted for opposing irregular expenditure and rigged tenders, citing a 50-year lease on the Tshwane showgrounds that Mettler referred back to committee. ActionSA national chair Michael Beaumont, however, countered Brink's claims, stating that the DA was 20 votes short of its full complement of councillors and had submitted 13 leaves of absence, making councillors unavailable. Beaumont argued that if DA councillors had not taken leave, Mettler would still be city manager. Republican Conference of Tshwane councillor Lex Middelberg noted that serious allegations he submitted against Gareth Mnisi were dismissed, while Mettler
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.