List of ambassadors of South Africa to the United States


The position of South African ambassador to the United States is the most prestigious and top diplomatic post in South Africa. The position was first held in March 1949, following the upgrade of South Africa's diplomatic mission to an embassy. The post has been held by many important politicians and is currently held by M. J. Mahlangu.
#PictureNameTerm of officePrime Minister/State President/President served underRef
1Harry Thomson Andrews1 March 1949- 26 September 1949Daniel François Malan
2Gerhardus Petrus Jooste26 September 1949- 26 August 1954Daniel François Malan
3John Edward Holloway26 August 1954- 7 August 1956Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom
4Wentzel Christoffel du Plessis7 August 1956- 13 September 1960Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom
Hendrik Verwoerd
5Willem Christiaan Naude13 September 1960- 9 February 1965Hendrik Verwoerd
6Harald Langmead Taylor Taswell9 February 1965- 18 August 1971B. J. Vorster
7Johan Samuel Frederick Botha18 August 1971- 30 July 1975B. J. Vorster
8Pik Botha30 July 1975- 11 May 1977B. J. Vorster
9Donald Bell Sole11 May 1977- 4 June 1982Pieter Willem Botha
10Bernardus Gerhardus Fourie4 June 1982- 23 September 1985Pieter Willem Botha
11Johannes Albertus Hermanus Beukes23 September 1985- 1 May 1987Pieter Willem Botha
12Piet Koornhof1 May 1987- 6 March 1991Pieter Willem Botha
Frederik Willem de Klerk
13Harry Schwarz6 March 1991- 12 January 1995Frederik Willem de Klerk
Nelson Mandela
14Franklin A. Sonn12 January 1995- 8 March 1999Nelson Mandela
15Sheila Sisulu8 March 1999- 28 August 2003Thabo Mbeki
16Barbara Masekela28 August 2003- 14 August 2007Thabo Mbeki
17Welile Nhlapo14 August 2007- 4 August 2010Thabo Mbeki
17Welile Nhlapo14 August 2007- 4 August 2010Kgalema Motlanthe
17Welile Nhlapo14 August 2007- 4 August 2010Jacob Zuma
18Ebrahim Rasool4 August 2010- 23 February 2015Jacob Zuma
19M. J. Mahlangu23 February 2015 - presentJacob Zuma