Herman William Nickel (born October 23, 1928) is an American retired diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to South Africa from 1982 to 1986.

[1][2] He was born in Berlin, Germany and graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York in the United States in 1951.

[3] President Ronald Reagan announced his intention to nominate Nickel for the post on 24 February 1982.

[3] Nickel presented his credentials on April 20,[4] succeeding William B. Edmondson in the post.

[1] Nickel was a correspondent for Time, Inc. in South Africa, Tokyo, London, and Bonn prior to his appointment.