Ramaphosa's Disastrous Visit to Washington: Where Do South Africa and the U.S. Go from Here?

Ramaphosa hoped to secure a trade deal and further discuss Johannesburg's position on several global issues, including the Russia-Ukrainian war and the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Instead, the U.S. President ambushed him with allegations of systematic killings of white farmers in South Africa, which he proclaimed to be a genocide.

During the visit, President Trump instructed his staff to turn off the lights in order to play a video of South Africa's Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), chanting "Kill the Boers." He later paraded a document indicating various attacks on minority white farmers.

Ramaphosa, in defense, denied allegations of a white genocide happening in South Africa and stated that there was a general crime problem that cut across all races. He also denied that white farmers had forcefully been evicted from their land.

South Africa, which was once governed by a white minority under the oppressive apartheid system, continues to navigate complex race relations. Despite the end of apartheid, land ownership remains heavily imbalanced, with most land still controlled by white South Africans.

2025 Reuters report revealed that only 4% of privately owned land is held by Black South Africans, who make up 80% of the population. A law allowing the government to expropriate land without compensation has further stirred racial tensions in recent years.

South Africa's worsening relations with the U.S.

Tensions have escalated between the U.S. and South Africa, culminating in the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador in New York. Johannesburg has openly voiced its support for Palestine, condemning the Israeli invasion of Gaza and taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians.

Additionally, South Africa has consistently called for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Its alignment with BRICS—which includes countries like China and Russia, often viewed as U.S. rivals—has further strained relations with Washington.

The South African president later told reporters that his primary focus had been on trade. He noted that both Washington and Johannesburg had reached an agreement on a mineral deal. He also confirmed that South Africa had already submitted a proposal to purchase liquefied natural gas from the United States.