By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described his meeting with US President Donald Trump as a “great success,” saying it helped dispel misinformation and refocus bilateral relations on trade, investment and diplomatic cooperation.
Speaking at a media briefing after Wednesday’s closed-door meeting at the White House, Ramaphosa was upbeat, stating that the discussion offered a chance to reset what he called a “contaminated” relationship between Pretoria and Washington.
“I know you media wanted to see drama, I’m sorry we disappointed you,” he said.
One of the key outcomes, according to Ramaphosa, was that Trump’s controversial claim of a “white genocide” in South Africa did not dominate the talks.
“We didn’t dwell on it. Yes, there is a crime problem in South Africa, but it affects all communities and is deeply tied to economic challenges—not a targeted campaign against any group,” the president said.
Despite Trump playing a video alleging such a genocide, Ramaphosa said their conversation shifted quickly to broader concerns.
“He asked what kind of help South Africa needs. I told him investment and a positive disposition from the US,” the president said.
The two leaders also discussed the upcoming G20 Summit, which South Africa is hosting in Johannesburg this November.
Ramaphosa confirmed that he had urged Trump to attend the summit in person.
“I don’t want to hand over the G20 presidency to an empty chair. My take is it’s happening—I’m pleased with that,” Ramaphosa said.
He expressed confidence that Trump’s presence would reinforce the US’s global leadership role and emphasised that their discussion about trade and economic cooperation would continue at an official level in coming months.
Some of discussions were around South Africa’s minerals, and the country reportedly wants to buy liquified natural gas from the US.
Also present at the Oval Office meeting were prominent South Africans including businessman Johann Rupert and golfing legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.
Ramaphosa humorously noted that Adrian Gore of Discovery had to sit out due to limited space but still joined the delegation later.
The meeting was followed by what he described as a “pleasant lunch” where deeper conversations continued.
Reaction in South Africa has been mixed.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described the engagement as “a step forward in strengthening ties,” while the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the dialogue.
However, some were more critical.
The MK Party’s Nhlamulo Ndhlela and ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula both dismissed the meeting as a failure, citing Trump’s insistence on dictating who should attend the talks as a red flag.
Meanwhile, AfriForum’s Kallie Kriel said he appreciated that contentious issues were not ignored.
“The message that can be taken out of today’s engagements between President Cyril Ramaphosa and his US counterpart Donald Trump is that issues should not be swept under the carpet,” Kriel said.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who also met with Trump’s team, noted that while farm murders are a concern, they must be seen within the broader context of crime in South Africa.
Ramaphosa concluded by stressing the success of the meeting as illustrating the importance of diplomacy in overcoming challenges and tensions on an international scale.
He outrightly rejected Trump’s claims of white genocide as false.
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