How World sees SA: Ramaphosa heads to Washington for high-stakes talks with Trump amid diplomatic storm

Key topics:Ramaphosa seeks to reset strained ties with Trump’s USWhite refugee row and land reform fuel diplomatic riftTrade penalties, Israel-Gaza case add to rising tensionsSign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here.By Kerry Lanaghan.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to Washington marks a pivotal attempt to mend increasingly strained relations with the United States under President Donald Trump. The meeting, scheduled for 21 May, comes amid a diplomatic chill intensified by the US granting refugee status to 59 white South Africans, citing alleged persecution and land seizure fears - claims Ramaphosa’s government strongly denies.This visit, aimed at “resetting” strategic ties, will tackle contentious issues including racial tensions, economic penalties, and geopolitical disagreements. A major flashpoint is Trump’s support for claims of a “white genocide” in South Africa, particularly over land expropriation without compensation. The controversial policy, designed to redress historical inequalities, has drawn fierce opposition from Afrikaner groups and criticism from Trump and his ally, Elon Musk, who blames South Africa’s Black empowerment laws for blocking his Starlink venture.Ramaphosa also faces tough talks over a series of US-imposed aid and trade penalties. Since retaking office, Trump has slashed foreign aid, including critical HIV funding to South Africa, and cited racial discrimination and Pretoria’s stance on Israel as grounds for further cuts. In addition, new tariffs, up to 55% on vehicles, have severely affected South African exports. These moves jeopardise economic cooperation under AGOA, the duty-free trade agreement up for renewal this year.Another divisive issue is South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of genocide in Gaza. The case has soured relations with the US, Israel’s close ally, and triggered additional aid suspensions. Despite pressure, Pretoria refuses to withdraw the suit, framing it as a principled stand for international justice.The two leaders are also expected to address the Russia-Ukraine war. While Trump has aggressively sought a peace deal, South Africa maintains a neutral position due to historical ties with Russia and BRICS alignment, but continues diplomatic engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow.Overall, Ramaphosa’s visit could be a diplomatic make-or-break moment. With high political and economic stakes, his ability to navigate Trump’s confrontational foreign policy and defend South Africa’s domestic choices will be critical in determining the future trajectory of US-South African relations.(This article is a précis of a piece originally published in Al Jazeera and can be read in full here.)

How World sees SA: Ramaphosa heads to Washington for high-stakes talks with Trump amid diplomatic storm

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