Roelf Meyer appointed South Africa's new ambassador to the US
via The Namibian4 min read
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer as the new ambassador to the United States. Meyer, who previously served in the last apartheid-era government as constitutional affairs minister, played a key role alongside Ramaphosa in mediating the talks to end apartheid in the 1990s. He was the chief representative of the National Party, while Ramaphosa represented the ANC. The two formed a lifelong friendship during this period. South Africa has not had a top envoy in the US since Ebrahim Rasool was expelled last year after accusing former president Donald Trump of trying to "project white victimhood as a dog whistle." This appointment comes amidst strained relations between the two nations, which worsened after Trump's return to office last year. Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed Meyer's immediate appointment. Meyer, a white Afrikaner, was considered a reformist within the National Party and later joined the government of national unity in 1994, eventually becoming a member of the ANC. He was also part of a group of 32 prominent South Africans chosen by the president to guide the national dialogue. Trump has previously claimed that Afrikaners are facing genocide and persecution in South Africa, a claim Ramaphosa has called "completely false."
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Namibia exported N$148 billion US$9.13 billion worth of mining and energy-related products to South Africa between January and May 2026, securing a trade surplus of over N$76 billion. During the same period, South Africa exported N$71.95 billion US$4.44 billion in similar products to Namibia, resulting in a N$76.05 billion US$4.69 billion surplus for Namibia in this sector. Precious metals continue to be Namibia's largest export category, with N$347.44 billion exported to South Africa in 2025. Other significant mining exports in 2025 included iron and steel products at N$8.96 billion, mineral products at N$6.63 billion, and chemicals at N$434.35 million. In 2025, Namibia's total mining and energy-related exports to South Africa reached N$368.57 billion, compared to South Africa's N$69.03 billion US$4.26 billion in exports to Namibia. South Africa's main mining and energy exports to Namibia were chemicals N$149.03 billion, iron and steel products N$83.08 billion, mineral products N$69.02 billion, and precious metals N$1.23 billion. While Namibia maintained a substantial trade surplus, its mining and energy exports to South Africa moderated by 19.6% annually between January and May 2026, falling from N$368.57 billion in 2025 to N$148.00 billion. Conversely, South Africa's mining and energy exports to Namibia increased by an annualised 4.25%, from N$69.03 billion in 2025 to N$71.95 billion in the first five months of 2026. Despite this moderation, mining and energy products rema
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially sent off Team Namibia to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, during a flag handover ceremony at State House on July 15, 2026. This marks Namibia's eighth participation in the Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026. The President commended the Namibia National Olympic Committee, coaches, and the entire team for their commitment to sports development and qualification. She also acknowledged the support from administrators, families, and others. President Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged the athletes to represent Namibia with pride, integrity, humility, respect, and sportsmanship, emphasizing their role as both athletes and ambassadors. She highlighted the government's commitment to sports as a key priority, with investments in upgrading sports infrastructure across all 14 regions to empower young people and promote national development. The President expressed her best wishes to Team Namibia, urging them to inspire the next generation and carry the national flag with dignity.
The Namibian government is considering stronger laws and enforcement to address the increasing issue of copper cable theft. Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus stated that a meeting has been held with stakeholders to discuss solutions. Her remarks were made during Telecom Namibia's quarterly meeting with its board of directors, following an incident of copper cable theft that disrupted fixed voice and internet services in parts of Windhoek's Dorado Valley. Telecom Namibia reported that the theft damaged its infrastructure, impacting customers on several streets. The company urges the public to report suspicious activities near its infrastructure. Copper cable theft is a growing challenge for the telecommunications sector, with Telecom Namibia having invested over N$700 million to modernize its network and planning to deploy more than 500 new base stations by 2027. The meeting also addressed Telecom Namibia's leadership transition after the resignation of three executives, with the board assuring Theofelus of efforts to maintain stability. Theofelus emphasized the ministry's support, recognizing Telecom Namibia's role as the country's telecommunications infrastructure backbone. Board members, appointed for a five-year term, signed performance agreements with Theofelus to enhance accountability and ensure strategic objectives are met.