Thabo Qhesi, Independent Analyst
The meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump on May 21, 2025, in the White House was a high-stakes diplomatic engagement marked by tension, contrasting agendas, and attempts to navigate a strained bilateral relationship.
Below is an assessment based on available information, focusing on the context, key events, outcomes, and implications of the meeting.
Context
Strained U.S.-South Africa Relations: Relations between the two nations were at their lowest since the end of apartheid in 1994, driven by several issues:
• Trump’s claims of a “white genocide” against Afrikaner farmers, amplified by his advisor Elon Musk, led to the U.S. granting refugee status to 59 white South Africans, a move Pretoria contested as baseless.
• South Africa’s Expropriation Act of 2024, allowing land expropriation without compensation in certain cases, was criticised by Trump as persecution of white farmers, despite South African assurances that it aimed to address historical inequalities.
• U.S. actions, including aid cuts, 31% tariffs, and the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador, were retaliatory measures linked to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its ties with nations like Russia, Iran, and China.
• Ramaphosa aimed to “reset” the relationship, focusing on trade and investment, leveraging South Africa’s mineral wealth and strategic position.
Ramaphosa’s Strategy: As a seasoned negotiator from the anti-apartheid era, Ramaphosa brought a delegation including golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen to appeal to Trump’s personal interests, and business tycoon Johann Rupert to counter claims of land seizures.
Trump’s Approach: Trump’s focus was on reiterating discredited claims of violence against white farmers, using the meeting to push a narrative aligned with far-right rhetoric, partly influenced by Musk.
Key Events During the Meeting
Initial Cordiality: The meeting began on a friendly note, with discussions about golf and Ramaphosa presenting a 14kg book on South African golf courses, a nod to Trump’s passion for the sport.
Confrontation Over White Genocide: The tone shifted when a journalist asked Trump what it would take to convince him there was no “white genocide” in South Africa. Trump dimmed the lights and played a video montage, including clips of opposition leader Julius Malema chanting “Kill the Boer,” claiming it evidenced persecution of white farmers. He also presented news articles, emphasising “death, death, death” of white South Africans.
Ramaphosa’s Response: Ramaphosa remained composed, denying genocide claims and clarifying that the videos reflected extremist views, not government policy. He noted that South Africa’s high crime rates affect all demographics, with Black people comprising the majority of victims.
Delegation Support: Johann Rupert and golfers Els and Goosen emphasised that crime is a general issue, not racially targeted. Els stated, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” highlighting crime’s colour-blind nature.
Trade and Diplomacy: Ramaphosa pivoted to economic discussions, highlighting South Africa’s supply of critical minerals (12 on the U.S. list, 9 as a main supplier) and proposing trade deals, including potential licensing for Musk’s Starlink.
Other Topics: Trump briefly mentioned a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, crediting his administration and advisor Massad Boulos, though this was tangential to the main focus.
Tense Moments and Humour: The meeting oscillated between serious and jovial tones. Ramaphosa jokingly referenced Trump’s acceptance of a Qatari jet, to which Trump quipped he’d accept a plane from South Africa.
Outcomes
Diplomatic Engagement: Despite the confrontational tone, Ramaphosa described the meeting as a “great success” with a “firm agreement” to continue engaging. He downplayed the drama, focusing on “robust” and “pleasant” discussions during a subsequent lunch.
Trade Focus: South Africa proposed a trade and investment package, including natural gas, minerals, and agricultural exports. Discussions on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and customs were noted, though no concrete agreements were publicised.
No Resolution on Key Disputes: The meeting did not resolve Trump’s concerns about alleged “white genocide” or South Africa’s land policies. Ramaphosa’s rebuttals, supported by data (e.g., 44 farm-related murders in 2024, only 8 involving farmers), failed to shift Trump’s narrative.
Public Perception: Ramaphosa’s calm demeanour was praised by analysts for avoiding escalation, reminiscent of his apartheid-era negotiation skills. However, critics like Senator Jeanne Shaheen argued Trump’s rhetoric risked pushing South Africa toward China and Russia.
Implications
Bilateral Relations: The meeting was a diplomatic coup for Ramaphosa, securing a rare audience with Trump, facilitated by Johann Rupert’s influence. However, it highlighted persistent misunderstandings, with Trump’s focus on discredited claims undermining progress.
Economic Stakes: South Africa’s push for trade deals is critical, given the presence of 600 U.S. companies and the strategic importance of its minerals and sea routes. Failure to secure AGOA renewal or address tariffs could harm South Africa’s economy.
Geopolitical Dynamics: Trump’s prioritisation of Afrikaner refugees and criticism of South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel reflect a broader alignment with far-right narratives, potentially alienating a key African partner. South Africa’s neutral stance on Ukraine and ties with BRICS nations remain points of contention.
Domestic Impact in South Africa: Ramaphosa’s handling of the meeting may bolster his image as a steady diplomat, but domestic critics, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), may view his engagement with Trump skeptically, especially given Rupert’s role.
Critical Analysis
Trump’s Narrative: Trump’s reliance on videos and articles, some misrepresented (e.g., a 2020 protest video misconstrued as evidence of ongoing violence), reflects a pattern of amplifying fringe theories, possibly influenced by Musk. This risks misinforming U.S. policy and straining ties with a strategically important nation.
Ramaphosa’s Approach: Ramaphosa’s composure and focus on trade were pragmatic, but his inability to shift Trump’s views suggests limited immediate impact. His inclusion of high-profile figures like Rupert and golfers was a calculated move to appeal to Trump personally, though it did not fully defuse tensions.
Broader Context: The meeting underscores a clash between South Africa’s post-apartheid reconciliation narrative and U.S. political rhetoric under Trump. The focus on “white genocide” distracts from substantive issues like trade, security, and regional stability, where cooperation could benefit both nations.
Conclusion
The Ramaphosa-Trump meeting was a complex interplay of diplomacy, confrontation, and strategic posturing. Ramaphosa’s efforts to reset relations and secure economic gains were partially successful in maintaining dialogue, but Trump’s fixation on discredited claims highlighted persistent challenges. The outcome leaves U.S.-South Africa relations in a delicate state, with potential for further strain unless both sides prioritise mutual interests over ideological divides. Continued engagement, as agreed, will be crucial to navigating these tensions.
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