South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in an atmosphere of increased diplomatic tension between the two countries.
Ramaphosa’s office confirmed the visit in a statement issued late Wednesday, saying the meeting will discuss “bilateral, regional, and global matters of mutual concern.” The trip is characterized as a “platform to reset the strategic relationship” between South Africa and the United States.
Relations have been strained in recent months over several policy differences. Foremost among them is the US decision to resettle a community of white South Africans Afrikaners who claim they are subjected to “persecution” at home. The action has been roundly condemned by Pretoria as a departure from Trump’s overall anti-immigration policies.
Trump’s administration has also expressed dismay at South Africa’s land reform policy, which permits expropriation without compensation to redress historic imbalances. Washington charges the policy against white landowners, although the South African authorities dismiss any persecution.
The arrival of 49 Afrikaners in America on Monday further widened the chasm. Deputy President Paul Mashatile reacted vehemently, stating, “There’s no genocide here. We are beautiful, happy people, black and white working and living together.”
Hostilities had already been brewing following Trump’s expelling of South Africa’s ambassador to America in March for comments critical of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
Pretoria has also stood up for its legal appeal against Israel at the International Court of Justice another source of tension with Washington.
Trade is likely to take center stage during the talks, particularly following Trump’s recent (but temporarily halted) announcement of tariffs that are likely to hurt South Africa’s car and citrus industries.
Ramaphosa’s visit will roll on until Thursday, and he is likely to invite Trump to come to South Africa.
