JOHANNESBURG - Veteran journalist and author Max du Preez believes Roelf Meyer will excel as South Africa's ambassador to the United States.
Du Preez said the appointment will help dispel false information being spread about the country.
"I thought it was a stroke of genius, and I think AfriForum and Solidarity misunderstand the whole situation. Roelf Mayer is not the ambassador to Orania, he's the ambassador to the United States of America.
"Sending an Afrikaner, a white Afrikaner, to Washington undermines, totally undermines, the whole point of Trump and MAGA, that there is a genocide against Afrikaners, that we are being persecuted. He has vast networks in the international community, including Washington. So that is extremely valuable to us."
Meyer was formerly a National Party politician who played a key role in negotiations that led to the end of apartheid.
He then served in the government of national unity under Nelson Mandela.
His appointment as South Africa's ambassador to the US has drawn criticism, particularly over his political affiliation.
But President Cyril Ramaphosa said all envoys are expected to represent and uphold government policy, regardless of their background.
"One of the criticisms that has been leveled against Mr Meyer's appointment is that he joined the ANC. Now you join the ANC knowing well that you are embracing the policies that the ANC has articulated," Ramaphosa said.