List of ambassadors of South Africa to the United States facts for kids

The position of South African ambassador to the United States is the most important and top diplomatic job for South Africa. This special role started in March 1949, when South Africa's office in the US became an embassy. Many important politicians have held this job, and most recently, Nomaindia Mfeketo was the ambassador.

The Embassy of South Africa in Washington, D.C. This is where the ambassador works!

What is an Ambassador?

An ambassador is a country's main representative in another country. Think of them as a special messenger and friend who helps keep two countries working together. Their job is to talk with leaders, solve problems, and make sure their home country's interests are looked after. They also help their country's citizens who are living or visiting the other country.

South Africa's Top Diplomat in the US

The South African ambassador to the United States has a very important job. They represent South Africa in one of the world's most powerful countries. This means they help build strong relationships between South Africa and the US, dealing with things like trade, education, and even cultural exchanges. It's a big responsibility to be the face of your country abroad!

A Look at Past Ambassadors

Since 1949, many talented people have served as South Africa's ambassador to the United States. They have worked under different South African leaders, from Prime Ministers to State Presidents and Presidents. Below is a list of these important individuals and when they served.

#	Picture	Name	Term of office	Prime Minister/State President(s)/President(s) served under	Ref
1		Harry Thomson Andrews	1 March 1949- 26 September 1949	Daniel François Malan (NP)
2		Gerhardus Petrus Jooste	26 September 1949- 26 August 1954
3		John Edward Holloway	26 August 1954- 7 August 1956	Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom (NP)
4		Wentzel Christoffel du Plessis	7 August 1956- 13 September 1960	Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom (NP) Hendrik Verwoerd (NP)
5		Willem Christiaan Naude	13 September 1960- 9 February 1965	Hendrik Verwoerd (NP)
6		Harald Langmead Taylor Taswell	9 February 1965- 18 August 1971	B. J. Vorster (NP)
7		Johan Samuel Frederick Botha	18 August 1971- 30 July 1975
8		Pik Botha	30 July 1975- 11 May 1977
9		Donald Bell Sole	11 May 1977- 4 June 1982	Pieter Willem Botha (NP)
10		Bernardus Gerhardus Fourie	4 June 1982- 23 September 1985
11		Johannes Albertus Hermanus Beukes	23 September 1985- 1 May 1987
12		Piet Koornhof	1 May 1987- 6 March 1991	Pieter Willem Botha (NP) Frederik Willem de Klerk (NP)
13		Harry Schwarz	6 March 1991- 12 January 1995	Frederik Willem de Klerk (NP) Nelson Mandela (ANC)
14		Franklin A. Sonn	12 January 1995- 8 March 1999	Nelson Mandela (ANC)
15		Sheila Sisulu	8 March 1999- 28 August 2003	Thabo Mbeki (ANC)
16		Barbara Masekela	28 August 2003- 14 August 2007
17		Welile Nhlapo	14 August 2007- 4 August 2010
				Kgalema Motlanthe (ANC)
				Jacob Zuma (ANC)
18		Ebrahim Rasool	4 August 2010- 23 February 2015	Jacob Zuma (ANC)
19		M. J. Mahlangu	23 February 2015 – March 2020	Jacob Zuma (ANC)
20		Nomaindia Mfeketo	March 2020 – August 2023	Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC)
21		Ndumiso Ntshinga	5 November 2023 – current	Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC)

See also

• Embassy of South Africa in Washington, D.C.