Ramaphosa’s US Visit Aims to Mend Strained Ties with Trump

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to embark on a state visit to the United States starting Monday, in what his administration calls an effort to "reset" deteriorating ties with Washington now seen by many analysts as their weakest in decades.

The visit follows a controversial move by the US to accept 59 white South African individuals as "refugees," after President Donald Trump claimed they were victims of racial persecution and possible "genocide." These individuals arrived under a special resettlement plan and will be allowed to remain in the US.

The South African government firmly denies these claims, emphasizing that white citizens though comprising only 7% of the population own over 70% of the land and are not systematically discriminated against.

According to Ramaphosa’s office, discussions with Trump will focus on both bilateral and global matters, though the White House has yet to comment. This marks the first time Trump will host an African leader since taking office. South Africa, current chair of the G20, is set to transfer that role to the US later this year.

Meeting Timeline and Key Issues

Ramaphosa will arrive in the US on May 19, with talks at the White House scheduled for May 21. His administration has not disclosed the official agenda but framed the trip as a strategic opportunity to reframe US-South Africa relations.

The discussion points are likely to include the treatment of white South Africans, foreign aid reductions, and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Contentious Issues

Treatment of White South Africans

Tensions between the South African government and the US have intensified over allegations of racial targeting. Trump and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk have criticized a new land reform law signed by Ramaphosa that permits land expropriation without compensation for redistribution to historically marginalized communities. Some Afrikaner groups see this as a direct threat to their land rights.

Claims of targeted violence against white farmers have circulated, with some characterizing these attacks as genocide. South Africa refutes this, attributing farm attacks to the country’s broader crime issues that affect all races. Ramaphosa recently emphasized that both white and Black farmers are frequent victims of such crimes.

Musk has also criticized South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment policies, blaming them for his company Starlink's inability to operate in the country. South African officials maintain that these policies aim to correct apartheid-era inequalities.

Tariffs and Aid Reductions

Trump's economic policies have also strained relations. Since returning to the White House, he has suspended foreign aid, affecting South Africa’s HIV programs which previously relied heavily on US support. In 2023 alone, the US provided $462 million in HIV assistance.

In February, Trump announced further aid cuts, citing claims of land confiscation and South Africa’s legal challenge against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Details of the cuts remain unclear.

Additionally, Trump has imposed steep tariffs: 30% on all goods from South Africa and 55% on vehicles. Although a 90-day tariff suspension was announced in April, South Africa wants these tariffs removed permanently. The country still faces a 10% baseline tariff on all exports.

The US remains South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) a duty-free trade agreement is up for renewal this year.

ICJ Case Against Israel

South Africa’s decision to file a genocide case against Israel at the ICJ has further soured ties. The case accuses Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza. The US, a strong Israeli ally, criticized South Africa's move, with Trump calling it "aggressive." This prompted additional aid freezes.

Despite backlash, South Africa has stood firm. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed that the country would not withdraw the ICJ case, citing its commitment to international law.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Talks will also address the war in Ukraine. Trump has pledged to end the conflict swiftly if re-elected, but previous diplomatic efforts have faltered. South Africa, historically aligned with Russia, has maintained a neutral stance and called for peaceful resolution, while also engaging diplomatically with Ukraine.

Ramaphosa hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in April and called for increased trade and dialogue. Hours before that meeting, Ramaphosa had a phone call with Trump where they agreed on the urgency of ending the war.