Faith Nyasuguta
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his willingness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to repair strained diplomatic and economic relations.
Speaking at a conference organized by U.S. bank Goldman Sachs in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa stated his desire to “do a deal” with Trump, particularly concerning tensions over South Africa’s land reform policies.
This follows Trump’s decision to cut aid to South Africa, citing concerns over land expropriation and the country’s position on international legal matters. The fallout has complicated bilateral ties, prompting Ramaphosa to seek direct engagement with Washington.
Ramaphosa Seeks Direct Talks With Trump
According to a Reuters report, Ramaphosa emphasized that his goal was to restore relations through meaningful discussions rather than just offering explanations.
“We don’t want to go and explain ourselves. We want to go and do a meaningful deal with the United States on a whole range of issues,” he said, adding that he was committed to fostering a positive relationship with Trump.
While the specifics of the proposed deal remain unclear, discussions are expected to cover trade, diplomacy, and political concerns.
Ramaphosa also defended South Africa’s land reform policy, stating that it was constitutional and aimed at correcting historical injustices from the apartheid era. He dismissed claims of arbitrary land seizures, assuring that expropriation would be conducted fairly.
Impact on South Africa-U.S. relations
Before recent tensions, South Africa and the U.S. had strong economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $21 billion in 2023. The U.S. provided nearly $440 million in aid that year, and over 600 American companies operate in South Africa, employing around 148,000 people.
However, relations soured after Trump’s administration cut aid, arguing that South Africa’s land policies threatened property rights and economic stability. Additionally, Trump cited South Africa’s stance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), particularly its genocide accusation against Israel, as a reason for suspending financial assistance.
Moving Forward
Ramaphosa’s push for direct talks signals an effort to stabilize diplomatic relations and address economic concerns. Whether Trump will respond positively remains uncertain, but Ramaphosa appears determined to navigate the challenges and maintain cooperation between the two nations.
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