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'In the end, we had a really good bilateral' — Ramaphosa at press conference after Trump meeting

As Ramaphosa preps for a high-stakes tête-à-tête with Trump, the stakes are as high as the hopes for a trade deal, with whispers of diplomatic intrigue and a side of gas supplies thrown in for good measure.
'In the end, we had a really good bilateral' — Ramaphosa at press conference after Trump meeting U.S. President Donald Trump (R) speaks during a meeting with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Relations between the two countries have been strained since Trump signed an executive order in February that claimed white South Africans are the victims of government land confiscation and race-based “genocide” while admitting some of those Afrikaners as refugees to the United States. Trump also halted all foreign aid to South Africa and expelled the country’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ebrahim Rasool. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Comments (8)

D'Esprit Dan May 21, 2025, 07:49 PM

Well that was interesting, brutal, well managed, edge of the seat stuff and cringeworthy all rolled into one. I'll say one thing though: if Afriforum (I can't stand them) face treason charges for spreading their BS, perhaps it's time Malema faced the same for his incendiary racism - not to mention giving oxygen to the right wingers here and in the USA who spout the bollocks about white genocide in SA. Time to hold him to account properly.

avanwyk18 May 22, 2025, 01:26 PM

Preach! Couldn't agree more! Afriforum has done us no favours and while I won't go so far as to say they are acting with ill intent, I think an easier case could be made that the EFF/Malema are serious contenders for incitement and racism. Maybe we should organise a proper celebrity boxing match between Malema and Roets to let them duke it out mano a mano in the ring... LOL!

Inertia Maharaj May 21, 2025, 08:01 PM

Never thought I would say this in my lifetime, but John Steenhuisen was brilliant. He channeled every South Africa infuriated over the blatant lies about a non-existent genocide. Not a single farm has been expropriated since 1994. Black farmers are suffering too. Crime affects us all. Good for you, John.

Jubilee 1516 May 21, 2025, 08:22 PM

Steenhuisen did not address genocide. Many farmers are driven off their farms like Goosen explained about his own parents. Trump had the proof and no-one could wish that away and it made Ramaphosa try hide his face. Strange how my comments are disallowed one after the other while I approved yours and may similar comments. So much for free speech. Our Concourt approved what Malema was singing. Again, study the official levels of genocide.

Colleen Mossman May 22, 2025, 01:25 PM

I agree - he was excellent!!

Robinson Crusoe May 21, 2025, 08:03 PM

Eish! Bravo to the South Africans in the face of a hectic and misinformed assault. We hope that the next few days can bring sane and productive discussions.

Jubilee 1516 May 21, 2025, 08:12 PM

Like Afriforum, Trump did not tell a single lie. Murder stats per 100 000 for farmers vs say Langa are available. Goosen's parents left the farm, his mom was attacked, fields were burned to make them leave. Race laws are applied regardless level of privilege. Concourt agreeing with the singing of Kill the boer. All SAns suffer violent crime. Be scientific, disclose who commit these crimes, interracial, per 100 000. Study the definition and levels of genocide on Genocide Watch more closely.

Jubilee 1516 May 21, 2025, 08:14 PM

The term "ambush" would mean Ramaphosa was not aware of the proof Trump displayed this evening. Trump is clearly better informed than Ramaphosa.

Fidelma of Cashel May 21, 2025, 09:39 PM

The "graves" shown in Trump's video were actually a protest in October 2020 in Jeffreys Bay. Not graves.

A Rosebank Ratepayer May 21, 2025, 09:43 PM

Wish the SA govt could always perform like that. Clearly they perform better when under an intense hostile spotlight compared to the comfort of party caucuses where ideas like cosying up to China and Iran can get traction. Was interesting to see how culturally comfortable the Saffers were with the Yanks led by CR with his golf book. Can’t imagine that with Putin or Xi! Good for CR to see how appalling JM is when viewed thru other’s lenses. Should have mentioned that’s why we fired him!

beecee.macpherson May 22, 2025, 06:55 AM

Ramaphosa and his ANC comrades now have a clear message - the USA will not stand by and watch the ongoing discrimination against white South Africans in the land of their birth. The tide is turning - it is slow, but it is turning.