South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday in an effort to reset relations between the two countries.
Recently, tensions have escalated between the US and South Africa, as Trump has accused the South African government of discriminating against minorities, particularly Afrikaners.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by four key ministers: Ronald Lamola, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development; Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency; John Steenhuisen, the Agriculture Minister; and Parks Tau, the Trade and Competition Minister. Also joining Ramaphosa’s delegation will be prominent South African businessman Johann Rupert, along with former golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.
There were rumors that South African-born billionaire Elon Musk would attend the meeting, but reports indicate he may not be present. Ramaphosa is expected to arrive at the White House around 17:30 (SA time) for the important bilateral meeting.
Political analyst Boitumelo Senokoane says Ramaphosa must be well prepared when meeting Trump on Wednesday.
“As soon as he (Donald Trump) gets the deal that he wants to achieve, he will argue that he was convinced otherwise. He’s not naïve, he’s not a fool, he knows what’s happening on the ground, he knows the history of South Africa. So, it’s not about the Afrikaners, it’s about him bullying the world,” he said.
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