Ramaphosa confident he won't be humiliated by Trump

Ramaphosa says he is ready and looking forward to the talks at the White House, which aim to repair strained ties between Pretoria and Washington.

On Tuesday, he met with his delegation, which included International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Trade Minister Parks Tau, and Special Envoy to the US Mcebisi Jonas, to discuss strategy going into the meeting. 

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.”

The meeting follows months of diplomatic tension over Trump’s trade tariffs and controversial remarks about land reform and white farmers in South Africa.

The Presidency said the visit focuses on reframing bilateral, economic, and commercial ties with the US, South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China.

Securing trade and protecting jobs is top of the agenda amid concerns over Trump’s 31% tariff on South African imports, which, although temporarily paused, still threatens local industries.

There’s also uncertainty over the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which offers duty-free access to US markets. The deal expires in September, and fears are growing that Washington won’t renew it.

With unemployment at 32%, Ramaphosa is under pressure to deliver on economic growth and job creation.

The president will also address claims of genocide against white South Africans, calling them patently false.

Ramaphosa is expected to encourage Trump to attend the G20 summit South Africa will host in Johannesburg this November.

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