Ramaphosa, Trump brief media in Washington
With President Cyril Ramaphosa meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, South Africans have been sending well wishes to their leader before the much-anticipated diplomatic engagement.
The meeting included a working lunch and bilateral meeting, and interaction with the media.
The South African delegation comprised cabinet ministers, members of business and eminent South Africans:
Ronald Lamola, minister of international relations and co-operation;
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, minister in the presidency;
Parks Tau, minister of trade, industry and competition;
John Steenhuisen, minister of agriculture;
Johann Rupert, founder of Richemont and chairperson of Remgro;
Ernie Els, professional golfer; and
Retief Goosen, professional golfer.
Also in Washington to provide strategic support to Ramaphosa and the South African delegation were:
Zingiswa Losi, president of the Congress of South African Trade Unions; and
Adrian Gore, vice-president of Business Unity South Africa.
The American delegation with Trump were:
Vice-President JD Vance;
Pete Hegseth, secretary of defence;
Howard Lutnick, secretary of commerce;
Christopher Landau, deputy secretary of state,
Susie Wiles, assistant to the president and chief of staff;
Elon Musk, special government employee at the department of government efficiency (Doge); and
Massad Boulos, senior adviser for Africa and senior adviser to the president on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
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