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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the United States on Monday ahead of a high-stakes meeting with President Donald Trump scheduled for Wednesday. The visit marks an attempt to mend what many observers describe as the most strained period in U.S.-South Africa relations in decades.
Ramaphosa’s state visit is focused on rebuilding diplomatic and economic ties, with trade expected to be a central topic in talks with Trump. “The president is determined to reset and revitalise the relationship with the United States, particularly in the realm of trade and investment,” a spokesperson from the South African presidency said.
Since returning to office, President Trump has taken a confrontational stance toward South Africa, including cutting all U.S. financial assistance, expelling the South African ambassador, and making baseless allegations that the South African government is orchestrating a “genocide” against white Afrikaners.
In a move that drew sharp criticism from Pretoria, the U.S. last week granted refugee status to 59 white South Africans who claimed they faced persecution in their home country.
Despite the tensions, Ramaphosa’s office confirmed that the meeting with Trump will cover “bilateral, regional, and global issues of interest,” signalling an effort to engage constructively on a broad range of topics.
The South African leader is traveling with a high-level delegation that includes Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who also serves as the leader of the Democratic Alliance — the second-largest party in South Africa’s new government of national unity.
During his time in Washington, Ramaphosa is also expected to hold discussions related to investment opportunities involving companies linked to South African-born billionaire Elon Musk. Musk, now a prominent ally and advisor to Trump, could play a role in bridging economic cooperation between the two nations.
The outcome of Ramaphosa’s visit is likely to shape the future of U.S.-South Africa relations, which have become increasingly fraught under Trump’s presidency.
