South Africa’s ambassador to the United States has called for direct talks with Washington as diplomatic tensions between the two countries continue to grow.
Roelf Meyer, a veteran South African politician, said relations with the US remain strained. However, he expressed hope that dialogue could help resolve the dispute.
Speaking on Monday in Cape Town, Meyer said both governments needed to find ways to restore communication.
His comments come amid disagreements over trade, race and foreign policy.
South Africa calls for direct dialogue with US
Meyer said the lack of direct communication was making it difficult to improve relations.
He believes talks between officials could help both countries move towards formal negotiations.
According to Africanews and AFP, Meyer made the remarks during an event marking the launch of his political memoir.
The ambassador acknowledged that relations had deteriorated but remained optimistic about finding a solution.
He stressed that maintaining strong ties with Washington was important for South Africa.
Meyer previously served as a chief negotiator for South Africa’s apartheid-era government during the negotiations that helped end apartheid.
He was appointed ambassador to Washington in April, following the expulsion of South Africa’s previous envoy.
Trump administration increases pressure on South Africa
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have worsened under US President Donald Trump.
The two governments have clashed over racial policies, land reform, trade and international diplomacy.
Trump has repeatedly made claims of a genocide against white Afrikaners in South Africa.
Those claims have been widely discredited.
Washington also introduced a programme to resettle white Afrikaners who say they face persecution in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has reduced aid and imposed tariffs on South African goods.
Trump also boycotted the G20 summit held in Johannesburg in 2025.
In September, Washington announced visa restrictions targeting South Africans accused of promoting racial discrimination, encouraging violence or supporting land confiscation without compensation.
These measures have added to tensions between the two governments.
Trade concerns grow amid diplomatic dispute
The diplomatic standoff has also raised concerns about South Africa’s economic relationship with the United States.
Washington has refused to accredit South Africa for G20 meetings hosted in the US, including the December summit.
South Africa also faces uncertainty over its future participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The programme allows eligible African countries to export certain goods to the United States without paying import duties.
AGOA has been extended until December 2028. However, eligibility is reviewed annually.
South African officials are concerned that losing access to the programme could harm exporters and businesses.
The uncertainty comes as the country faces wider economic challenges.
Can South Africa and US repair relations?
Despite the disagreements, Meyer believes diplomatic engagement remains possible.
He said direct talks could provide a starting point for rebuilding trust between Pretoria and Washington.
His experience negotiating South Africa’s transition from apartheid has shaped his approach to diplomacy.
However, significant differences remain between the two governments.
Trade restrictions, diplomatic disagreements and competing positions on domestic policies continue to complicate relations.
For now, South Africa is seeking a diplomatic opening that could prevent further damage to its relationship with one of its major trading partners.