South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will arrive in the United States for a high-stakes state visit aimed at repairing strained diplomatic ties with President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday. The visit, which will include a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, is being described by Pretoria as an effort to “reset” the strategic relationship between the two nations.
The trip follows a series of flashpoints in US-South Africa relations, including Washington’s recent acceptance of 59 white South Africans as refugees, a move the Trump administration justified by claiming they were victims of racial persecution and “genocide.” The South African government has rejected the claims as baseless, pointing instead to broader issues of violent crime affecting all communities, irrespective of race.
According to a statement from the presidency, Ramaphosa will use the visit to address misinformation, defend South Africa’s policy choices, and reinforce economic cooperation — particularly through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade deal set for review later this year.
Key Agenda Items: Land Reform, AGOA, and Gaza Conflict
Topping the agenda are US concerns over South Africa’s land reform legislation, particularly the Expropriation Bill, which allows for land to be redistributed without compensation in specific cases. The Trump administration, backed by South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, has accused Ramaphosa’s government of targeting white landowners. Pretoria denies any racial motive, asserting that the law aims to correct historical injustices.
Economic tensions are also high. Since his return to office, Trump has imposed sweeping tariff hikes on South African goods, including a 30% blanket tariff and a 55% charge on vehicles. Aid funding — particularly for HIV programmes — has also been slashed. South Africa, which has the highest HIV burden globally, previously relied on substantial US assistance.
Complicating matters further is South Africa’s ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), filed in December 2023. The case, which has drawn international attention and led to emergency measures by the ICJ, has angered the US, a key Israeli ally. Trump cited the ICJ filing as one of the reasons for cutting aid to South Africa in February.
Delegation Composition Reflects Strategic Aims
Ramaphosa’s delegation includes International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. Analysts note the absence of any Afrikaner nationalist leaders, a move seen as an effort to maintain unity within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU).
Professor Theo Neethling of the University of the Free State said including a polarising figure such as Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald might have caused friction. “Ramaphosa is playing it safe — the delegation reflects the GNU’s priorities and avoids internal conflict,” he told IOL News.
John Steenhuisen, whose Democratic Alliance party joined the GNU, is seen as a key figure in the AGOA talks, given his role in agriculture — a sector heavily reliant on access to US markets. Analyst Goodenough Mashego suggested that Steenhuisen’s presence may also be a subtle nod to white business interests affected by the current tensions.
Ramaphosa Faces Diplomatic Crosswinds
While Ramaphosa’s administration maintains neutrality in global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, the visit comes at a time when the Trump administration is actively engaged in trying to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly promised to end the war “within 24 hours,” though recent diplomatic efforts, including a fraught visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, have failed to yield results.
Despite diverging geopolitical stances — with South Africa abstaining from condemning Russia and maintaining friendly ties with both sides — Pretoria insists it remains committed to peaceful mediation.
The South African leader is expected to tread carefully in Washington. While his government hopes for the renewal of AGOA and the lifting of tariffs, there are fears the visit could turn confrontational, particularly if Trump adopts an aggressive posture.
“Ramaphosa may walk into a political ambush, but he’s a seasoned diplomat,” said Neethling. “His challenge will be to present rational, fact-based arguments in an emotionally charged environment.”
As the world watches closely, Ramaphosa’s visit could mark a turning point in US-South Africa relations — one defined either by deeper cooperation or further discord.