By Edition8 News Staff

May 22, 2025

On May 21, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, a meeting that quickly escalated into a public confrontation. Trump accused South Africa of committing a "white genocide" against Afrikaner farmers, presenting misleading evidence, including images from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ramaphosa remained composed, calmly refuting Trump's claims and emphasizing that violence in South Africa disproportionately affects Black citizens. Analysts praised Ramaphosa's diplomatic poise during the meeting.

In a subsequent speech at the 2025 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium in Cape Town, Ramaphosa humorously referenced the meeting, describing himself as "ambushed" during the Oval Office encounter. He acknowledged the tension but reiterated South Africa's commitment to addressing domestic issues independently, without external interference. This approach reflects his broader strategy of asserting South Africa's sovereignty while maintaining diplomatic relations.

Despite the contentious meeting, Ramaphosa expressed a willingness to engage with the Trump administration on matters of mutual interest. He emphasized that South Africa's land reform policies are constitutionally mandated and aimed at addressing historical inequalities. Ramaphosa reiterated that the Expropriation Act is a legal process ensuring equitable access to land, not a confiscation instrument. He also noted that, aside from PEPFAR aid, the U.S. does not provide significant funding to South Africa.

South African President Ramaphosa's Response to Trump's White House Visit