Ramaphosa, Trump plan meeting to mend SA-US tensions

The planned meeting signals a pivotal moment in bilateral relations that have steadily deteriorated in recent months.

This was primarily over foreign policy differences, trade concerns, and domestic legislation like South Africa’s contentious Expropriation Act.

In a short statement released on Thursday, Ramaphosa confirmed that he had spoken to Trump.

"We both agreed that the war [in Ukraine] should be brought to an end as soon as possible to stop further unnecessary deaths,” said Ramaphosa. 

“We also spoke about the need to foster good relations between our two countries, and agreed to meet soon to address various matters regarding US-South Africa relations.”

The conversation comes at a time when diplomatic ties between Pretoria and Washington are under severe strain. 

Relations have been on shaky ground since Trump returned to the White House earlier this year and openly criticised several of South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy decisions.

Chief among the concerns is the Expropriation Act signed into law by Ramaphosa, a move that has triggered strong backlash from the US administration. 

The legislation, which allows for the redistribution of land without compensation, has sparked heated reactions from Washington, with Trump accusing the South African government of targeting white farmers and threatening economic consequences.

READ: Trump once more welcomes farmers wanting to leave S.A

In response, US aid to South Africa has been scaled back, and senior American officials have raised concerns about the country’s commitment to property rights and minority protections.

 The tensions are particularly significant given that the US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, a relationship Pretoria is keen to protect.

In an effort to defuse the situation and rebuild ties, Ramaphosa has appointed former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as his Special Envoy to the United States. 

Jonas will be tasked with high-level engagements with US government officials and private-sector leaders to promote South Africa’s diplomatic, economic, and bilateral interests.

“In this capacity, Mr Jonas is entrusted with the responsibility to advance South Africa's diplomatic, trade, and bilateral priorities,” said Ramaphosa. 

“He will lead negotiations, foster strategic partnerships, and engage with US government officials and private-sector leaders.”

Jonas, who served as one of the original Presidential Investment Envoys in 2018, brings a wealth of experience in both government and international investment circles. 

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to stabilize relations and encourage continued investment amid uncertainty.

READ MORE: Jonas the right person to strengthen US-SA ties - Presidency

The call with  Trump also fits within Ramaphosa’s broader diplomatic strategy around the war in Ukraine. 

His recent call with Trump follows a similar conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin just days earlier. 

Both calls emphasised South Africa’s neutral stance and commitment to peaceful dialogue.

“We both affirmed the strong bilateral relations between our respective countries. We further committed to working together towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Ramaphosa said of his call with Putin.

Ramaphosa has consistently reiterated his intent to maintain open lines of communication with all global powers, including the United States.

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