Ramaphosa–Trump Meeting Signals Possible Reset in U.S.–South Africa Relations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described his meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House as “robust and fruitful,” with both leaders exploring ways to open “a new chapter of engagement” between their countries—particularly in the areas of trade and investment.

The Oval Office meeting on Wednesday, which was livestreamed, was part of a broader diplomatic effort to recalibrate bilateral ties. Ramaphosa also used the occasion to firmly reject controversial claims of “white genocide” in South Africa—a narrative pushed by Trump during the meeting.

Trump presented video clips of opposition figures chanting inflammatory slogans to support his allegations. However, Ramaphosa clarified that such rhetoric originated from fringe political parties and did not reflect government policy. He emphasized that violent crime in South Africa affects all racial groups, particularly Black citizens, and urged for calm and constructive dialogue.

Private Talks Paint a Different Picture

According to South African media personality Redi Tlhabi, who reported for the Daily Maverick, the tone shifted in a private lunch held in the Cabinet Room following the public session. Citing unnamed sources, she described the atmosphere as “cordial,” in contrast to the tension seen in the televised meeting.

Ramaphosa used the occasion to invite Trump to attend the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg this November, noting the importance of symbolic continuity as South Africa hands over the G20 presidency to the United States in 2026. “I hope to hand over the presidency to a full chair, not an empty one,” he remarked.

Delegations and Key Figures

Ramaphosa was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including:

Ronald Lamola – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Parks Tau – Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
John Steenhuisen – Minister of Agriculture and leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni – Minister in the Presidency
Zingiswa Losi – President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)

Also present were prominent white South Africans known to Trump, including billionaire businessman Johann Rupert, and professional golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.

The U.S. delegation featured several key Trump allies and officials:

Vice President JD Vance
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa
Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire and Trump advisor

The meeting marked a pivotal moment in U.S.–South Africa relations and may pave the way for increased economic cooperation—if mutual understanding and political goodwill can be sustained.