South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Washington, D.C., on a mission to clarify and defend the country’s foreign policy stance while working to repair relations with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A key focus of the visit will be restoring stable trade relations after the Trump administration imposed—and later temporarily suspended—significant tariffs on South African imports, including a 31% levy. The suspension period is set to expire soon, adding urgency to the discussions.
Reports also suggest Ramaphosa will attempt to reset ties with Elon Musk, the South Africa-born billionaire who, alongside Trump, has been openly critical of the South African government’s policies.
In a statement released Monday, the Presidency outlined the visit’s objectives: “The purpose of the visit is to reset and revitalize bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States, with a particular focus on economic and commercial ties.”
Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. He will be accompanied by a delegation including:
Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency
Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition
John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture
Mcebisi Jonas, Special Envoy to the United States
The visit marks a critical effort to stabilize diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations amid recent tensions.