Cyril, Trump round 2 loading

THE ANC has attempted to downplay the tense meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and his US counterpart Donald Trump, hailing it a victory for reason over rhetoric, diplomacy over division, and truth over propaganda.

Ramaphosa was forced to fend off false claims of white genocide in South Africa when Trump ambushed him with videos and articles to prove his narrative that white farmers were being targeted for their land.

The unexpected stunt on Wednesday night turned the usually staid diplomatic setting of the Oval Office into a stage for Trump's contention that white South Africans are being persecuted. It resembled the tense exchange between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he visited the White House earlier this year.

In a statement on Thursday, the ANC said the engagement between Trump and Ramaphosa reaffirmed the centrality of diplomacy, mutual respect, and the truth in building durable relations between nations.

“President Ramaphosa used this platform not only to champion South Africa’s economic interests, but also to confront and dispel harmful misinformation, notably the false and inflammatory narrative of a so-called 'white genocide'. He reminded the world that South Africa is a constitutional democracy based on the rule of law, declaring: 'South Africa belongs to all those who live in it, black and white'. The world listened - and applauded with envy,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.

She said the bilateral meeting also served as a moment to reset relations between South Africa and the US, anchoring a renewed partnership on the principles of equity, shared development, and mutual understanding.

“While aspects of President Trump’s public posture during the engagement may have reflected a confrontational tone, and at times, a reluctance to abandon previously stated misconceptions, President Ramaphosa remained calm, focused and unwavering. His handling of the engagement demonstrated maturity, diplomatic depth, and a steadfast commitment to truth and national dignity, a posture that reflects the values of the movement he leads and the country he represents,” she said.

It remains unclear if Trump will attend the G20 summit in South Africa later this year, where he is expected to take over the summit’s presidency for 2026.

“President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of sustained US participation in global governance platforms, noting that the G20 itself was co-formed by the US. He extended a formal invitation to President Trump to attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, stating that he looks forward to handing over the presidency of the G20 'not to an empty chair, but to President Trump.' This powerful symbolism reflects South Africa’s ongoing efforts to reaffirm its role as a responsible global actor and convener of multilateral dialogue,” said Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.

The two heads of state have agreed to meet again, while deliberations between the US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, will further address the country’s position and proposals under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) agreement, according to the South African Government News Agency.

“The issue of AGOA did come up, and it's going to be further discussed in the engagements that we're going to have. The Secretary of Commerce and our Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition are going to be able to take those discussions forward, including some of our proposals that do incorporate the issue of AGOA, because we would like to see ourselves continuing in AGOA.

“Continuing in AGOA really is about prospering our continent. There are 32 countries from Africa that participate in AGOA [according to] the Secretary of Commerce. So, it is top of mind for them as well. We want to continue with those discussions,” said Ramaphosa.

Meanwhile the DA remained unmoved by criticism against its leader John Steenhuisen over statements that farm murders were a reality in South Africa, remarks that billionaire businessman Johan Rupert - who was part of Ramaphosa's delegation - moved to dispel by saying the country had a general crime problem, which affected many citizens.

In a statement on Thursday, DA spokesperson on agriculture Willie Aucamp and the party's spokesperson on police, said: "The DA reiterates our call for urgent action to address farm murders and rural safety, which continue to threaten lives, food security, jobs, and the stability of South Africa’s rural economy. The murder of farmers and farmworkers affects the food security of our nation. These are not ordinary crimes. They are premeditated, cruel and economically devastating."

Cape Times