President Cyril Ramaphosa is focused on improving relations with the United States after harsh remarks from former President Donald Trump.
Ramaphosa made it clear that South Africa hopes to strike a deal with the new US government on diplomatic, trade, and other matters that are important for both nations.
South Africa Plans to Send Delegation to Washington
During a discussion at a G20 event in South Africa, Ramaphosa expressed his intentions of sending a South African delegation to Washington.
The aim is to address and resolve various issues, including trade, diplomacy, and politics.
While many might expect an explanation to the US, Ramaphosa’s approach is straightforward.
He stated that the delegation’s goal would be to negotiate a meaningful deal, not to justify South Africa’s actions.
Ramaphosa Navigates Tensions with Trump and BRICS Membership
Although South Africa is a key member of BRICS, an influential group of emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), it finds itself in a challenging position with its relations to the US.
Trump’s criticism of South Africa, especially his stance on trade tariffs, only adds to the tension.
Some questions arise about whether Ramaphosa’s desire to engage diplomatically with the US could conflict with the country’s strong ties within BRICS.
What Is BRICS and Why Does It Matter?
BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates joining in 2024.
It stands as an alternative to the G7 bloc, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the US.
This makes BRICS a powerful global player, potentially complicating South Africa’s relationship with the West.
Trump Criticizes South Africa’s Land Expropriation Law
Earlier this month, Trump blasted the South African government, accusing it of “confiscating” land from white farmers. He also announced plans to cut off funding.
His comments were aimed at a controversial land expropriation law signed by Ramaphosa, which allows for the expropriation of land without compensation in certain circumstances.
This law is part of efforts to address long-standing land ownership inequalities stemming from apartheid, where a majority of farmland is still in the hands of the white population decades after apartheid ended.
Ramaphosa’s Relationship with Trump and US Diplomacy
Despite their rocky relations, Ramaphosa recalled having a positive phone call with Trump soon after the latter took office.
However, the relationship soured over time, especially after Trump’s criticism of the land reform policy.
Ramaphosa has expressed hope that he can rebuild diplomatic ties with the US, especially with the US set to take over the G20 presidency next year.
The Need for Diplomatic and Trade Negotiations
Given that the United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of finding common ground.
Both countries will have to work out a deal that covers various critical issues, including trade and diplomatic relations.
South Africa, under Ramaphosa’s leadership, is determined to negotiate a deal that benefits both nations, despite the current tensions.
The Future of South Africa’s Relationship with the US
While some question whether South Africa’s membership in BRICS is causing diplomatic issues with the US, Ramaphosa remains committed to addressing these challenges head-on.
The South African president stressed the inevitability of dialogue and the need for a deal to resolve political, trade, and diplomatic disputes.