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:
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Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
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Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency
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Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition
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John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture
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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.
