All eyes on 17:30 White House meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington DC today, in a high-stakes engagement aimed at easing diplomatic tensions and reaffirming South Africa's economic ties with its largest trading partner outside the continent.
According to The Witness, the meeting, which is set to begin at 17:30 South African time (11:30 EDT), marks a significant moment in bilateral relations between the two nations, following months of strain fuelled by false claims of targeted persecution of Afrikaners in South Africa.
Ramaphosa is expected to use the opportunity to set the record straight on South Africa's transformation policies and to reassure US leadership of the country's commitment to democratic values and inclusive economic growth.
What to expect
According to a programme advisory from the Presidency, Ramaphosa's day at the White House will unfold as follows:
17:30 (11:30 EDT) – President Trump formally receives President Ramaphosa
17:35 (11:35 EDT) – Ramaphosa signs the visitors' book
17:45 (11:45 EDT) – Working lunch with President Trump
18:45 (12:45 EDT) – Bilateral meeting between the two heads of state, including interaction with the media
19:30 (13:30 EDT) – Ramaphosa departs the White House
The South African delegation includes high-ranking Cabinet ministers and prominent figures from the country's business and sporting spheres.
South African delegation joining the president:
Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Ronald Lamola
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen
Business leaders Johann Rupert and Adrian Gore
Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi
South African golf legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen
US representation
On the American side, President Trump will be accompanied by:
Vice President JD Vance
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau
Elon Musk, in his capacity as special government employee for the Department of Government Efficiency
Senior advisors Susie Wiles and Dr Massad Boulos
Focus of the talks
The talks are expected to cover a range of critical issues, including trade, geopolitical cooperation, and correcting recent misunderstandings in the diplomatic space. South Africa remains a key strategic partner for the United States, with more than $20b (approximately R358.4b) in annual trade and over 600 US companies operating in the country.
Ramaphosa, speaking ahead of the meeting, said he was hopeful about the outcome.
'I'm looking forward to a very good outcome for our country, for our people, for jobs in our country, good trade relations, and to normalise relations between the two countries.'
Also read: [Videos] Minister highlights strategic importance of Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump
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