00:00South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed veteran politician Rolf Mayer as the country's new ambassador for the United States
00:08in a move seen as strategically significant amid strained diplomatic ties.
00:13The presidency confirmed that Mayer, a key figure in South Africa's transition from appetite to democracy, would take up the
00:20post once formalities are completed in Washington.
00:24At 78, Mayer is widely respected for his role as chief negotiator for the former ruling National Party during the
00:32early 1990s talks that led to the end of appetite and the country's first democratic elections in 1994.
00:40His appointment comes at a delicate time in relations with the administration of Donald Trump.
00:46Mayer himself comes from the Africanist community, a factor analysts say could influence diplomatic engagement.
Comments