Billionaire Rupert, golfers Els and Goosen join Ramaphosa

With tensions between the two countries running at an all-time high, Ramaphosa has enlisted some familiar heavyweights to help steer the conversation in South Africa’s favour.

Billionaire businessman Johann Rupert and golfing greats Ernie Els and Retief Goosen will join the President’s delegation in what’s seen as a strategic charm offensive.

Ramaphosa is hoping their influence and star power will help reset strained relations — and unlock a better trade deal.

The two golf icons and South Africa’s richest man will flank Ramaphosa in a bold bid to win Trump’s favour and secure more equitable trade terms for the country.

The official delegation also includes International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

Business Unity SA Vice President Adrian Gore and COSATU President Zingiswa Losi are also in Washington to provide support.

Trump’s team includes Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, and presidential advisor Susie Wiles.

South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, now officially listed as a special government employee under the Department of Government Efficiency — known by its acronym DOGE — and Dr Massad Boulos, a senior advisor on Africa and Middle East affairs, will also be at the table.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Ramaphosa personally requested the meeting.

But he warned that the US would approach the talks with “eyes wide open,” citing concerns over South Africa’s voting record at the UN, its position on Israel, and growing ties with Iran and China.

The talks are expected to focus on resetting bilateral relations, reshaping economic cooperation, and opening new doors for trade and investment aligned with South Africa’s development priorities.

Ramaphosa is pushing for the renewal of AGOA — the African Growth and Opportunity Act — as well as improved access to US markets and increased investment in key sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and digital innovation.

Speaking to SABC News on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said South Africa hopes for a positive outcome, especially on trade.

"I'm hoping to have constructive discussions with President Trump and his government colleagues.

"I look forward to a positive meeting and a good outcome for our country, our people, job creation, and stronger trade relations. Our goal is to normalise relations between our two countries.

“We invest in the United States, and they invest in us. We want to strengthen and consolidate the good relations between our two countries," he added.

When asked about concerns over Elon Musk’s interest in securing a Starlink deal in South Africa, Ramaphosa said, “Well, we are a sovereign and proud nation, and we will always preserve our sovereignty. We will do what is best for South Africans.”

On geopolitical issues, including the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, he added, "We will have the opportunity to discuss important geopolitical issues, including Israel and Ukraine.

"All these matters will be on the table for thorough discussion. We approach global and geopolitical topics with rationality, always putting South Africa’s interests first. Our foreign policy positions will be clearly communicated.

"So, there’s no need to worry. We are expecting a very productive meeting.”

Asked if he is concerned about being publicly humiliated, as was the case with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ramaphosa responded: “South Africans are never humiliated. We always face challenges with our heads held high. I play golf like Donald Trump does, and maybe one day we’ll have a good round together. But beyond that, we are confident and positive about the upcoming meeting.”

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