Cyril Ramaphosa shortlists 4 white Afrikaners as ambassador to US

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly eyeing something of a surprise move: Appointing a white Afrikaner as South Africa’s next ambassador to the United States.

According to The Sunday Times, the decision comes after former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was booted from Washington last month following a controversial speech accusing Donald Trump of fueling a global white supremacist movement.

Four prominent Afrikaners

Now, Ramaphosa – along with newly appointed International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola – is said to be considering four prominent Afrikaners for the post.

The shortlist is:

Roelf Meyer, a key CODESA negotiator and former Defence Minister during apartheid, who famously developed a strong bond with Ramaphosa during the early ‘90s transition
Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the last leader of the National Party and a former ANC Minister of Tourism, who also served as ambassador to Australia
Andries Nel, a former Deputy Justice Minister
Gerhardus Koornhof, Ramaphosa’s parliamentary counsellor and son of apartheid-era cabinet member Piet Koornhof

The aim appears to be easing diplomatic tensions and showing political inclusivity, especially amid strained relations with the US.

‘Racist homophobe’

Meanwhile, Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly still supports former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas to lead a special envoy to the US, but a resurfaced video of Jonas calling Trump a “racist homophobe” has stirred debate within the ANC.

Some are now pushing for Ayanda Dlodlo, a former Cabinet Minister and current World Bank exec, to take the lead instead.

It’s a high-stakes reshuffle at a tense time in South Africa-US relations – and the choices Ramaphosa makes could say a lot about the direction of his diplomacy.