South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remained calm during a White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who raised disputed claims about violence against white farmers in South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday for talks intended to strengthen bilateral relations. However, the discussion included Trump raising allegations that white minority farmers in South Africa are facing systematic violence and land seizures - claims that remain disputed.
Despite the sensitive nature of the topic and the challenging exchange, Ramaphosa remained composed throughout the meeting, earning praise from South Africans for his diplomatic restraint. The South African leader arrived prepared to discuss trade and cooperation, bringing members of the country’s golfing community with him to Washington as part of his delegation.
Rebecca Davis, a columnist for the Daily Maverick, highlighted Ramaphosa’s steady demeanor, noting that he “did not rise to the bait” and handled the situation with care amid pressure ahead of the visit. Comparisons were drawn to a previous tense encounter between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Some South Africans, however, questioned the value of Ramaphosa’s trip given the confrontational tone. Johannesburg shopkeeper Sobelo Motha said, “I don’t think it was necessary to explain ourselves to the USA. The claims of white genocide are unfounded, so the visit felt like a pointless exercise.”
South Africa’s Foreign Ministry defended the president’s approach. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told Reuters, “Most importantly, the two presidents engaged. Ramaphosa approaches issues calmly and with a matter-of-fact attitude, which is what we expect from our leaders.”
Many South Africans found it surprising that such claims gained traction at the highest levels, especially given that South Africa’s violent crime disproportionately affects Black and poor communities. Official statistics show that in 2024, there were over 26,000 murders nationwide, with only a small fraction related to farming areas.
As the dialogue between the two leaders concludes, South Africans continue to consider the implications for their country’s image and international relations moving forward.
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Germany’s far-right AfD says the Bundeswehr has become too soft and wants to bring back discipline and a “warrior culture” inspired by the U.S. military under Trump, slamming progressive reforms as harmful to combat readiness.
The CIA have decline to say whether suspect was hit by gunfire, and the individual is now in custody.
Iran has issued a sharp warning to Israel and the United States, threatening to take unspecified "special measures" to defend its nuclear facilities if threatened, just ahead of a new round of nuclear talks in Rome.
The US has imposed sanctions on four Cuban judicial officials for their role in jailing a peaceful protester in 2020, citing gross human rights violations and lack of judicial independence.
Germany’s far-right AfD says the Bundeswehr has become too soft and wants to bring back discipline and a “warrior culture” inspired by the U.S. military under Trump, slamming progressive reforms as harmful to combat readiness.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will make urgent visits to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye next week to hold high-level talks and express gratitude for recent support.
The CIA have decline to say whether suspect was hit by gunfire, and the individual is now in custody.
Iran has issued a sharp warning to Israel and the United States, threatening to take unspecified "special measures" to defend its nuclear facilities if threatened, just ahead of a new round of nuclear talks in Rome.
The US has imposed sanctions on four Cuban judicial officials for their role in jailing a peaceful protester in 2020, citing gross human rights violations and lack of judicial independence.
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