Changing a Pretoria Guard

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As racial conflicts worsen in South Africa, the Reagan Administration continues to cast about for ways to reshape its policy of "constructive engagement," which has attempted to coax and cajole the country into making changes in apartheid. Apparently, the White House is nearing a decision on an appointment that could deeply affect that policy: the U.S. ambassadorship to Pretoria. Herman Nickel, who has held that post for four years and played an important role as the local spokesman for constructive engagement, will reportedly step down by the end of the month.

Late last week Washington's foreign policy community was abuzz with reports that Robert Brown, 51, a black businessman from North Carolina, would be named Ambassador to Pretoria. "For the first time in U.S.-South Africa relations, a black is being given serious consideration for the post," said a Washington- based South Africa specialist. The other top candidate is Richard Viets, a career diplomat and former Ambassador to Tanzania and Jordan.

Brown, who now runs a public relations and management-consulting firm in High Point, N.C., served as special assistant to President Nixon. Nonetheless, he still maintained cordial relations with Jesse Jackson, Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young, the former U.N. Ambassador. Brown has made several trips to South Africa, the latest in February as the leader of a fact- finding group that included black college presidents.

"Brown is the embodiment of conciliation and bridge building," says an Administration official who knows him well. "He's close to Jesse Jackson -- and Richard Nixon." Brown's special ability to make friends across seemingly impenetrable political barriers has made him a particularly appealing choice for South Africa. His race is also a plus, as far as the Administration is concerned. Appointing a black to the highest American position in Pretoria cannot help sending a message to South Africa's apartheid government, as well as to its black majority.