Ambush.
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This was the term that reverberated through US media following yesterday’s intense confrontation in the White House between President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Many observers could not help but draw parallels to February’s challenging meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where the atmosphere turned sour due to a lengthy press conference. However, the Ramaphosa meeting was distinctly different; this was a meticulously planned event, complete with audio-visual presentations and printed materials.
President Ramaphosa came well-prepared, strategically bringing along key figures to appeal to President Trump. Among his delegation were renowned golfers Retief Goosen and Ernie Els. These men are not only familiar faces to the US President but also embody the sports and farming connections he respects.
In addition, Ramaphosa included John Steenhuisen, a notable figure in South African politics and the leader of the Democratic Alliance, a party that has been in opposition to the ANC for three decades. On the US side, President Trump welcomed a familiar adviser: Elon Musk, accompanied by Johann Rupert, another billionaire and the owner of the Swiss-based luxury goods company, Richemont. Trump, ever fond of billionaires, likely noted Rupert’s significant presence.
As the meeting unfolded, Trump’s team included key figures like Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, all seated conveniently close to the President.
Despite the preparation, many were surprised when the lights dimmed in the Oval Office for a video presentation. This segment showcased two small opposition parties, including former President Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema, leader of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters. The video raised concerns as it highlighted Malema’s call for the expropriation of white-owned farmland, further complicating the conversation surrounding South Africa’s agricultural policies.
Notably, last week saw the arrival of around 50 Afrikaners in the US as refugees — a unique group granted entry during a time of refugee crises. President Trump remarked, “The US always takes in people fleeing oppression and genocide,” reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
Julius Malema, in a recent address, questioned the authenticity of the Afrikaners’ claims to be farmers, casting doubt on their contributions to agriculture. “If they are real farmers, why hasn’t the media provided the list of farms left behind?” he questioned, asserting that many appeared far from credible as agricultural laborers.
In response to Trump’s claims, President Ramaphosa pushed back politely but firmly, asserting that South Africa does not engage in genocide and does not expropriate land from farmers. He urged John Steenhuisen to elaborate on the issue.
Steenhuisen took the opportunity to discuss South Africa’s ongoing challenges with crime, stating, “It’s a reality we cannot candy-coat. We need more policing resources and a different strategy to tackle this.” He emphasized that the majority of farmers, regardless of background, are dedicated to making South Africa work, despite the difficulties posed by theft and violence, particularly against small black farmers.
During the discussion, Goosen painted a stark picture of rural life. “My father’s friends have been killed, yet we keep the farm going. It’s an ongoing battle,” he revealed. The need for robust agricultural systems was apparent, with Trump seeking clarification on water availability. Goosen responded, citing reliance on borehole water, though lamenting the theft of essential equipment for extraction.
Trump’s concern for the safety of the farmers was palpable as he probed, “Does your brother feel safe on the farm?”
Goosen’s answer illustrated the pervasive tension: “Safety is a constant concern. Electric fences provide some security, but they aren’t foolproof.”
His perspective aimed to underline that there is no state-sponsored genocide of white farmers in South Africa; rather, the country faces severe criminal challenges that affect everyone. South Africa grapples with a staggering homicide rate, recording 26,232 murders last year, a contrast that starkly highlights its crime challenge compared to countries like England and Wales.
It is essential to clarify that, according to police statistics, far fewer farmers are victims of violence, with only eight reported deaths among farmers in a year marked by violence against communities.
Discussions also included the land reform law, criticized by Trump, which allows expropriation without compensation for specific public purposes—a concept Ramaphosa likened to the US’s “eminent domain.” This legal provision has been utilized for various infrastructure projects, including projects initiated by Trump himself.
The origin of Trump’s interest in the claims of a South African genocide can be traced back to his first term, inspired by a report on Fox News. Subsequent actions included expelling the South African ambassador and cutting off US aid, showcasing a strained diplomatic relationship that Ramaphosa sought to mend during this visit.
Hoping to reset relations, Ramaphosa presented a gift to Trump: a hefty book detailing South African golf courses, quipping, “I wish I had a plane to give you.” Following the intense encounter in the Oval Office, many await to see how these diplomatic discussions will unfold, particularly concerning the upcoming G20 summit and the future policies regarding Afrikaners seeking refuge in the US.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
