Dirk Hermann@SolidariDirk
Regarding Roelf Meyer as ambassador
Solidarity strongly believes that the diplomatic and trade dispute between South Africa and the USA must be resolved.
We will do everything possible to achieve this, and we assess Roelf Meyer’s appointment as ambassador in this light.
We and many Afrikaners have serious reservations about Roelf Meyer and his role in the transition process.
He is a divisive figure among Afrikaners.
However, Solidarity’s position against him as ambassador is broader than that.
There is a perception that President Ramaphosa has deployed an Afrikaner cadre within his inner circle to neutralize the Americans. This will not work.
The first hurdle in restoring relations with the USA and securing a new trade agreement is a political one.
This political hurdle centers around the USA’s “five asks.” These include property rights, race-based laws, rural safety, the “Kill the Boer” song, and the refugee program.
The resolution of the political dispute lies in Pretoria, at the ambassador’s office.
This process is already well underway, and the Solidarity Movement, including Solidarity and AfriForum, is fully part of it.
We believe in the process and have confidence in it.
Afrikaners play an important role in the process, and Roelf Meyer can contribute little to it and may even be divisive.
The second part of restoring relations is a trade process.
Trade relations will largely be restored from Washington.
This includes protecting South Africa’s participation in AGOA, which, like a broader trade agreement, is of critical importance to Solidarity.
South Africa currently does not have a trade attaché in Washington, so the ambassador will have to play a major role in negotiating tariffs, as well as a more long-term trade agreement between the USA and South Africa.
The most ideal ambassador at present would have been someone from the business sector, with a strong economic background and experience in trade negotiations.
Roelf Meyer is a political appointment whose skills do not meet what is currently required in Washington.
