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THE FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES ROELF MEYER ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS US AMBASSADOR

Issued by Christo van der Rheede on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 15/04/2026

The announcement of Roelf Meyer’s appointment as United States Ambassador marks a significant milestone in international diplomacy. This prestigious role, which serves as the bridge between nations, requires a unique blend of intellectual rigor, cultural empathy and unwavering dedication to public service. In Roelf Meyer, the administration has found an individual who not only meets these criteria but embodies the very essence of a “fit and proper” ambassador.

Roelf Meyer’s journey to this appointment is paved with decades of high-level experience that makes him uniquely qualified for the complexities of modern statecraft. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a rare ability to navigate sensitive geopolitical landscapes with both grace and strategic foresight. Whether mediating complex trade discussions or advocating for human rights on the global stage, Roelf Meyer has consistently prioritised collaboration over conflict.

In an era of political volatility, Roelf Meyer’s reputation remains beyond reproach. His career is a testament to the fact that one can be an effective leader while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

As Roelf Meyer prepares to present his credentials, there is a palpable sense of optimism among his peers and the international community. His appointment signals a commitment to stable, thoughtful and proactive engagement. We are entering a period where global challenges—from climate change to economic security—require a unified front.

Roelf Meyer is the ideal candidate to foster the partnerships necessary to meet these challenges head-on.
 
Congratulations to Roelf on this well-deserved honor. The role of Ambassador is a heavy mantle, but his track record suggests he will wear it with distinction. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of his leadership and the strengthening of the bonds between our nations under his guidance.

The United States is fortunate to have a representative of such high caliber and the host nation is gaining a partner who truly values the art of the possible. Best wishes to a successful tenure.

PUBLIC LAND IS A CONSTITUTIONAL INSTRUMENT, NOT A BALANCE-SHEET ENTRY

The Constitutional Court’s Tafelberg judgment confirms that well-located public land cannot be treated merely as a commercial asset when it can help reverse apartheid’s spatial legacy. Where affordable housing is built matters, because access to employment, transport, education and essential services forms part of meaningful access to adequate housing. Municipalities and provinces must therefore manage and dispose of public land transparently, with genuine public participation and proper regard for its constitutional value.

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LESSONS FROM THE 2026 GTAC CONFERENCE

The 2026 GTAC Public Economics Conference highlighted a central truth: South Africa’s employment crisis cannot be solved by training people for jobs that do not exist. Sustainable progress requires evidence-based policy, smarter public spending and greater support for the informal, township and rural economies where millions already earn their livelihoods. Ultimately, the Constitution demands a state that protects dignity, removes barriers to opportunity and measures success by real outcomes rather than the number of programmes funded.

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FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION ON WITHHOLDING OF MUNICIPAL TRANSFERS

The FW de Klerk Foundation notes National Treasury’s decision to withhold transfers to non-compliant municipalities and Parliament’s call for their urgent compliance. These developments confirm what has become crystal clear: Many municipalities across South Africa faces a deep and persistent governance crisis.

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