President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing for a potentially contentious meeting with US President Donald Trump, with high-stakes discussions expected on trade, race policies, and allegations of “genocide” against white Afrikaners, according to the Sunday Times.
Despite the possibility of a hostile reception, Ramaphosa remains focused on protecting South Africa’s economic interests.
High-Stakes Diplomatic Encounter
The meeting marks one of Ramaphosa’s most critical diplomatic engagements, with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade deal at risk. Agoa enables duty-free exports worth R66bn in sectors like automotive, citrus, and wine.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa was losing no sleep over what kind of reception awaited him.
“[He] will not paralyse himself with fear or elevated concerns about a potential hostile reception in the White House,” Magwenya told the Sunday Times.
Expecting a “Robust” Exchange
Government officials anticipate a tough discussion, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio likely leading the charge. South African-born billionaire Elon Musk may also pressure Ramaphosa on issues like Starlink and BEE laws.
“The likelihood of humiliation is there,” one official admitted. “We have been given a sense that behind closed doors, it’s going to be a rough meeting.”
Trump’s Warning
Trump recently remarked on Afrikaner “refugees,” stating: “We treat people very well when we see there’s a genocide going on. So if it’s a genocide, that’s terrible … South Africa’s out of control.”
SA’s Prepared Response
The Sunday Times reported that Ramaphosa’s delegation includes ministers Ronald Lamola, Parks Tau, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and DA leader John Steenhuisen.
Steenhuisen’s presence is strategic, countering the “white genocide” narrative.
“It’s critical that he is there for the optics because it raises questions; why would the government have a white minister in a country where white people are being killed in a form of genocide,” an official explained.
Maintaining Decorum
Despite tensions, the government expects professionalism.
Minister Ntshavheni emphasised: “He is the one who made the public announcement, so there is no-one who invites a guest to mistreat them.”
Magwenya reiterated Ramaphosa’s diplomatic approach: “In any platform, the president will reject that notion, albeit diplomatically, albeit elegantly… He treats people with dignity, with an enormous amount of courtesy.”
As Ramaphosa heads to Washington, the focus remains on safeguarding South Africa’s economy amid a challenging geopolitical climate.
