South Africa has rejected pressure to withdraw its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or reverse domestic empowerment laws, as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated over unsubstantiated U.S. allegations of persecution against white South Africans, particularly the Afrikaner minority. In response, Ramaphosa’s office stated that the U.S. must provide evidence if it continues to promote such claims.
“We need to reset the relationship… but more importantly, address concerns, even those based on misinformation,” said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya in an interview with 702 radio.
Trump recently welcomed a group of around 50 white South Africans to the U.S. under a controversial “refuge” initiative. Magwenya warned that if the programme continues, the South African government will “take exception,” especially if departures are based on false claims.
“It’s going to be difficult for the Trump administration to sustain this so-called ‘genocide’ narrative in South Africa. The burden of proof lies with them,” he said, adding that the administration is likely aware that such allegations are baseless.
South African authorities have dismissed right-wing claims that white farmers are being targeted in violent attacks, noting that crime data shows most homicide victims in the country are young Black men in urban areas.
Some Afrikaners have also expressed opposition to a new education law they believe threatens instruction in their native language, but officials say the legislation is part of broader education reforms.
Ramaphosa will be joined in Washington by four ministers, including Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who also leads the Democratic Alliance, a key party in South Africa’s government of national unity.
Securing trade relations with the U.S. remains a top priority for Ramaphosa, Magwenya said, emphasizing the need to protect jobs and economic ties. However, he made clear that South Africa would not compromise on its legal action against Israel or its post-apartheid transformation policies aimed at addressing historical inequality.