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IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa, Trump Bilateral: Humiliation in the Shadow of White Capital
EFF leader Julius Malema and members of his party's top structure led a march to the Rupert-owned company Remgro in Stellenbosch on March 6, 2022 to hand over their memorandum of demands. As Afrikaner nationalists have historically aligned themselves with Zionist ideology, both claiming divine rights to land taken by force, they now rely on the same international structures to preserve their grip on power, says the writer. Image: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency (ANA) Sipho Singiswa President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with Donald Trump last week, on the surface, may have appeared to be a standard diplomatic encounter. But for those observing from a Black revolutionary perspective, the moment carried the unmistakable weight of humiliation. It echoed the treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, another leader caught performing for Western approval rather than asserting the sovereignty of his people. The meeting was framed around the latest fabricated crisis: the so-called genocide and land persecution of the Afrikaner minority in South Africa. This narrative, pushed by AfriForum and echoed by right-wing media and political networks in the United States, is not only baseless it is a calculated tactic to derail the project of land reform and restorative justice in South Africa. Ramaphosa, rather than challenging this fiction, found himself clarifying, appeasing, and ultimately exposing his begging bowl approach to the US. The optics were painful. Ramaphosa did not stand as a servant of the landless majority, but as a custodian of the privileges bestowed upon him by white monopoly capital. His tone, his posture, his rhetoric all suggested a man more concerned with protecting foreign investments and elite economic interests than with pushing forward the Expropriation Act that he himself signed. Trump's role in this spectacle was clear: to intimidate, to lecture, and to remind Ramaphosa who really holds power. It was easy to imagine Trump leaning over the desk, finger pointed, declaring: 'You cannot pursue genocide charges against Israel while you are accused of genocide against White South Africans. Remember we made you.' The farcical nature of the AfriForum claims cannot be overstated. Afrikaners remain the dominant landowners in South Africa, controlling over 70% of mineral-rich land and vast sectors of the economy. They are overrepresented in the judiciary and other key institutions. And yet, it is this community that is being painted as persecuted, while the majority Black population continues to live under the economic consequences of historical dispossession. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading This propaganda campaign is not isolated. It fits into a larger strategy reminiscent of CIA-backed efforts like the Orange Revolutions, aiming to destabilise countries in the Global South that challenge Western hegemony. The AfriForum narrative, like the denial of Israeli war crimes, serves to delegitimise real struggles for justice and redirect global attention toward manufactured grievances. What is more, this campaign is being actively supported by a powerful media apparatus dominated by white interests, both locally and abroad. The timing of these accusations is no coincidence. South Africa has brought a genocide case against Israel to the International Criminal Court, and the backlash is coordinated. The intent is clear: discredit South Africa's moral standing by painting it as hypocritical, thereby neutralising its global advocacy for Palestine. Meanwhile, US-based Zionist organisations and South African Jewish organisations have played an instrumental role in coordinating visits to Israel by leaders of South Africa's so-called Government of National Unity. These visits, supported by US funding and framed as educational or diplomatic, are part of a broader media and public relations war designed to shore up support for Israel and silence criticism. These visits continue even as Palestinian children are buried under rubble and Israeli war crimes mount. They continue despite the South African government's official position. And yet, Ramaphosa says nothing. Why? Because the man who claims to lead a liberation party serves the empire that his forebears fought against. Ramaphosa was not made president to dismantle white capital. He was elevated to manage it, protect it, and lend it a black face. His paper billionaire status, built on deals brokered by the very same monopoly capital he now shields, makes him both a product and a prisoner of this system. The hard irony is that the same forces that falsely claim genocide against Afrikaners are actively involved in genocide against Palestinians. The comparison is not just symbolic it is strategic. As Afrikaner nationalists have historically aligned themselves with Zionist ideology, both claiming divine rights to land taken by force, they now rely on the same international structures to preserve their grip on power.
TimesLIVE
22-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Rupert speaks, Ramaphosa stands firm: SA's moment at the White House
In a political moment charged with tension and global scrutiny, Johann Rupert has emerged as an unlikely voice of unity, pragmatism and patriotism. As US President Donald Trump hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House on Wednesday, Rupert's unexpected intervention drew praise across the political spectrum for his candour and his defence of South Africa. Sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie, a once vocal critic of Rupert, reversed course in a public show of support. 'Rupert is not who we think he is, he is a true patriot. He loves this country and I want to be the first to admit I was wrong about him. He spoke up against killing on the [Cape] flats, he spoke against illegal foreigners, but most importantly he stood up for South Africa. He is a gem,' said McKenzie. The Oval Office meeting came as Trump, now in his second term, has reignited claims of a 'genocide' of white farmers in South Africa — allegations the government has repeatedly denied. Trump reportedly played footage of EFF leader Julius Malema chanting 'Kill the Boer', using it as evidence of racial persecution. Rupert, the chair of Remgro and founder of luxury goods conglomerate Richemont, directly addressed Trump, offering a perspective on crime and safety in South Africa. 'We have too many deaths, but it's across the board. It's not only white farmers. We need technological help. We need Starlink at every little police station.' He emphasised that violent crime affects all South Africans, not just the white minority, and called for technological solutions. 'I got drones donated for the Peace Parks to stop elephant and rhino poaching. If you can help us remember, sir, you and I lived in New York in the 1970s. We never thought New York would become what it became. Two commissioners, a tough mayor. We need your help to stop these awful killings.' Rupert also highlighted his own vulnerability to political attacks, referencing Malema. 'I've been against apartheid all my life. And I'm their number one target. Please just Google my name and Malema. You'll see it, sir. He marched on my doorstep.' He didn't shy away from accountability either, calling out DA leader John Steenhuisen for failing to address violent crime in the Western Cape. 'Mr Steenhuisen won't admit it, but he runs the Western Cape where I live, and the highest murder rate is on the Cape Flats, gangs. We've got gang warfare like your MS-13. We've got equivalents,' he said. South African author Khaya Dlanga echoed support for Rupert's stand. 'I know some people will try to make this a controversial topic, but it's not. Johann Rupert is a true patriot for doing what he has done. He represented us as a country very well. He is not a politician and he spoke with the elegance of an experienced diplomat.' Another person on X, Matthew George, applauded Rupert for highlighting challenges in South Africa. 'Rupert is right. South Africa's problems are simple: unemployment and illegal immigrants,' said George. Ramaphosa was also widely praised for his calm, statesmanlike demeanour throughout the meeting despite being confronted with printed articles and videos meant to support Trump's claims. Former public protector Thuli Madonsela applauded Ramaphosa's poise. 'Exceedingly inspired and assured by President Ramaphosa's handling of his meeting with US President Trump. He calmly led, stuck to his mission and refused to be baited,' said Madonsela. McKenzie also lauded Ramaphosa. 'Thanks for resetting our relationship with America Mr President. You handled this meeting like a true boss. Let the haters hate and the patriots be patriotic.' ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula summed up the prevailing sentiment. 'Well done to Team South Africa for representing our country and putting the record straight, led by our President Ramaphosa.'
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Ramaphosa, SA delegation brief media following meeting with Trump
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. TimesLIVE
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Trump ambushes Ramaphosa with videos to back his 'white genocide' claims
President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump had a discussion about bilateral relations on Wednesday evening. Image: GCIS / Se-Anne Rall US President Donald Trump glossed over discussions on foreign direct investment in his discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Washington last night, instead focusing on his repeated claims that White South African farmers were victims of genocide in South Africa. Trump appeared to have ambushed Ramaphosa by playing a series of video clips of EFF leader Julius Malema singing "Kill the Boer" and other songs related to the killing of white people. 'Now, this is very bad," said Trump, pointing to the burial sites of white farmers shown in the clip. 'It is a terrible sight. I have never seen anything like this,' he said. Prior to Trump instructing for the montage of video clips to be played, Ramaphosa said that he would allow, in a separate meeting, his delegation which included billionaire and founder of Remgro, Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Else and Retief Goosen to explain in their own words that the idea of a white genocide in South Africa, was a myth. Ramaphosa was joined by Minister of Agriculture and DA leader John Steenhuisen, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau and Cosatu President Zingiswa Losi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Ramaphosa was trying to dismiss the allegations of a white genocide when Trump interjected, saying while he heard what Ramaphosa was saying, his administration was being inundated with the rhetoric of white people being killed in South Africa. "We have thousands of stories talking about it and we have documentaries, we have news stories, I could show you a couple of things, I mean it has to be responded to," he told Ramaphosa. Trump then was handed articles he said were stories on the murders of White African farmers as the video montage was played. The first clip showed Malema in parliament where he said that black people would occupy land in the country and that 'no permission from you, from the president, from no-one' was needed for this to happen. In another clip, Malema said 'You must never be scared to kill. A revolution demands that at some point there must be killing because the killing is part of a revolutionary act,' before singing the "Kill the Boer" song. Ramaphosa responded to the video clips and the articles that Trump held, saying that he should listen to the stories of people like Els, Goosen and Rupert to determine if there was a White genocide in South Africa. 'But when we have talks between us around a quiet table it will take President Trump to listen to them, I'm not going to be repeating what I've been saying, I would say if there was Afrikaner farmer genocide I can bet you these three gentlemen would not be here, including my minister of agriculture, he would not be with me,' said Ramaphosa. During their interactions with the media, Ramaphosa said the US and South Africa are longstanding partners and the two countries need to reset their relationship. However, Trump said there were a lot of people who were concerned with regard to South Africa, adding that many feel persecuted. He said that thousands of people were fleeing to the US because their land was being taken. 'They are white farmers and they feel that they are going to die in South Africa. People are fleeing from South Africa for their own safety,' he said. Ramaphosa asked Steenhuisen to address the issue, who said that although there was a rural safety problem in SA, the majority of farmers want to stay in the country. Steenhuisen echoed the sentiments, adding that as the Agriculture Minister, he was working with police to address the problem. He said the DA had joined hands with Ramaphosa and the ANC to keep the EFF and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party out of government, adding that the Government of National Unity needed the help of international allies. Cosatu president Losi also tried to convince Trump about the need for beneficial trade relations, saying about 500,000 jobs would wiped out if AGOA is repealed. Losi emphasised that there was no expropriation without compensation taking place in the country. The EFF last night responded to the montage of video clips played at the meeting, "the meeting, which came under the pretext of discussing diplomatic, trade and economic relations, ended up being a discussion about the President and Commander in Chief of the EFF Julius Malema and his correct and principled position regarding the return of the land to African people, and the return of the means of production into the hands of the African majority". "Trump proceeded to play numerous clips of the President of the EFF wherein our leader spoke correctly about the unequal distribution of land in South Africa and sang the chant 'Kill The Boer, Kill The Farmer', which is a song that expresses the desire to destroy the system of white minority control over the resources of South Africa," the party said in a statement. The EFF said "the dominance of white male voices in the entire interaction", proves to the party that the delegation sought to make assurances to Trump that the transformation agenda of South Africa is one that can be compromised. "All of the utterances by Ramaphosa's delegation point to a devious plot to rekindle relations with a maniacal Trump administration by sacrificing our sovereignty at the alter of convenience," the statement read. Governance expert and political analyst, Sandile Swana, described the meeting as chaotic, adding that he hoped that the actual meeting and negotiations about bilateral talks would take place secretly. 'But for now, what is happening is that Trump is using information that is procured by dubious sources and that cannot withstand the academic test. "It is unfortunate. But we need to be happy that Ramaphosa agreed to the meeting and he can only do his best. but Trump was determined to do exactly what he intended,' Swana said. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order targeting South Africa by formally cutting off aid to the country and attacking it for human rights abuses. The order also said the US would have a policy to promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination. In April, Trump rolled out a global tariff scheme, slapping South Africa with a hefty 30% on exports.
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
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. TimesLIVE
