Under Attack by Trump, South Africa's Ramaphosa Responds with Trade Deal Offer

 

Under Attack by Trump, South Africa's Ramaphosa Responds with Trade Deal Offer South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is headed to the White House on Wednesday to try to restore and strengthen relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has taken a confrontational stance against South Africa. Trump has canceled aid, expelled the country's ambassador, and offered refuge to white minority Afrikaners, citing South Africa’s land reform law and accusations of racial discrimination—claims Pretoria denies. Ramaphosa’s main goal is to reframe bilateral economic relations and present a broad trade deal to Trump, who has criticized South Africa’s land redistribution policies and other government actions. The U.S. is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China, but recent aid cuts have already impacted health programs, especially for pregnant women, youth, and infants.

Before departing, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of talking to the U.S., acknowledging that the two countries are closely connected. He plans to discuss business opportunities for companies like Tesla and Starlink—both linked to South Africa-born billionaire Elon Musk—and to negotiate trade advantages, such as tariff exemptions for Tesla and licensing for Starlink. The discussions may also include efforts to secure duty-free access for South African farmers to the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which is threatened by Trump’s tariffs. Trump has also indicated that U.S. companies should be exempt from racial requirements in South Africa’s business laws—rules that mandate Black ownership or investment commitments—though changing these laws could be politically difficult.

Trump’s February executive order criticizing South Africa centered on land reform and alleged racial violence, which Pretoria disputes, citing the country’s painful history of colonialism and apartheid. Despite ending apartheid three decades ago, inequalities persist, with white South Africans remaining wealthier and owning most farmland. The land reform law allows for expropriations, but none have occurred so far. Ramaphosa, who played a key role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid and has a background as a successful businessman, will likely draw on his diplomatic skills and economic experience to try to sway Trump. Analysts suggest that while deal-making on minerals and trade could help mend relations, underlying political issues may remain a challenge.

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