Why Ramaphosa left out Afrikaners in Trump talks: Analysts explain the strategy

Political analysts suggest that President Cyril Ramaphosa deliberately left out Afrikaner nationalist leaders from his US visit with President Donald Trump to maintain unity within the GNU and ensure the delegation remains focused on its main objectives.

Professor Theo Neethling, of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State, told IOL News that including an Afrikaner leader, such as Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) leader Pieter Groenewald, who is part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), could create division within the delegation.

“Well, if the president were to include an Afrikaner leader, Pieter Groenewald is the only logical choice, as he is part of the GNU,” said Neethling.

"But if he were to include someone else instead, it would seem unusual. Still, bringing Groenewald along could easily cause disunity, and President Ramaphosa clearly wants to avoid that at all costs… So, I think he’s playing it safe in that regard.”

The FF Plus is known as a right-wing political party that mainly advocates Afrikaner interests and promotes Afrikaner nationalism.

Neethling was responding to criticism over the composition of Ramaphosa’s US delegation, which includes International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

The South African government has confirmed that Ramaphosa’s visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, countering misinformation about the alleged persecution of white Afrikaners, and boosting trade and economic relations.

A key issue on the agenda is the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US trade program that allows duty-free exports from eligible African countries, which is up for review later this year.

The meeting comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions, particularly after 49 Afrikaners recently received refugee status in the US, citing racial persecution in South Africa, a claim the South African government strongly denies.

Neethling said that AGOA is a priority in the talks and that Steenhuisen’s inclusion in the delegation is strategic.

“Steenhuisen was selected not only to demonstrate inclusivity from within the GNU but also because he is the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. 

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in discussions about AGOA, alongside the automotive industry,” he told IOL News.

He added that Steenhuisen is expected to help negotiate a continuation, or alternative to AGOA, which is essential for South Africa’s economic stability.

“There is an urgent need for economic growth, and extending AGOA or finding a replacement is vital,” said Neethling. 

“I believe the composition of the delegation is quite logical given the current priorities.”

Earlier, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Steenhuisen said his top priority during the government’s visit to the US this week will be growing the economy and expanding employment opportunities, particularly in the agricultural sector.

At the anticipated meeting, Neethling said the stakes are high, and the South African president is likely to face a tough audience.

“Managing perceptions within the Trump administration is vital. Rational explanations alone may not shift entrenched views, so a more targeted engagement strategy is needed,” he said.

Neethling warned that the meeting could turn hostile.

"Some believe Ramaphosa could be walking into a political ambush, similar to the one Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced recently. But others argue Ramaphosa is an experienced diplomat who will remain calm and not be thrown off by any provocation,” he said.

Meanwhile, independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego agreed with the decision to exclude a prominent white Afrikaner from the delegation, saying the president must prioritise members of the executive team.

“There may be others traveling with the president, such as businesspeople from the South African Chamber of Business, but I don’t think someone like Kallie Kriel (CEO of Lobby group AfriForum), who is not under Ramaphosa’s command, should be part of the delegation,” Mashego said.

He emphasised that the delegation’s makeup reflects the president’s goals for the US visit.

“The inclusion of John Steenhuisen and Parks Tau signals a focus on AGOA,” Mashego said.

“Given that most of South Africa’s exports under AGOA are agricultural, it makes sense to have Steenhuisen, who can provide detailed insights into agricultural output. Him being white may also be deliberate, as white South Africans benefit significantly from AGOA through export-related industries.”

Mashego said that Tau, as mister of Trade Industry, will be essential in addressing tariffs imposed by the US, some of which have reached up to 30%.

“Tau will be able to speak directly about reducing those tariffs. Lamola’s inclusion speaks to diplomatic issues, especially following the recall of ambassador Ibrahim Rasool. Discussions around what kind of ambassador the US expects from South Africa will happen at his level,” he said.

Mashego added that Ntshavheni’s presence aligns with her state security portfolio, as intelligence plays a crucial role in foreign diplomacy.

“The delegation makes sense when you look at the challenges South Africa is facing and the issues it hopes to resolve,” Mashego said.

Reports state that Ramaphosa has arrived in the US, where he is expected to meet with Trump and his administration at the White House in Washington DC.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics