CYRIL’S TRUMP CARDS

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa is set for a showdown with US counterpart Donald Trump when the two are expected to meet later this week.

The two are set to thrash out the numerous issues that have raised tensions between the two nations in Washington, D.C.

Since Trump returned to the White House in January, the former Apprentice host has cut financial aid to South Africa, accused the SA of confiscating Afrikaners’ farms and of taking a position against his country and its allies for taking legal actions against Israel over the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

Ramaphosa and some ministers, including Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen, will visit Washington, D.C. from today to Thursday.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president did not see the Afrikaner  "refugee" matter as important, as it “does not define US-South Africa relations.”

Magwenya said Ramaphosa would not be apologetic or back down on refuting the distortion of facts regarding the treatment of Afrikaners, with 54 arriving in the US last week. 

He says: “The President will once again affirm the untruthful nature of so-called genocide claims. 

“However, there are far more important issues that are central to the relationship between the two countries. 

“For the president, this issue [of the Afrikaners] is not a priority."

Magwenya admitted that the tension between the Israeli-Gaza issue “remains a very difficult issue between South Africa and the US”.

He adds: “We will correct the impression that we have a relationship with Hamas. We don't.

“The President strongly condemned the October 7 (2023) attacks by Hamas and called for the return of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the resumption of peaceful negotiations.”

He said the most important issue on Ramaphosa’s agenda was the trade relationship. 

He said Ramaphosa would seek clarity on Trump's position on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which would expire in September and whose future under Trump was uncertain.

Magwenya says: “From our side, the President would like to see both the extension of AGOA and South Africa's continued participation in the trade scheme, for the benefit of South Africa and that of the African continent. 

“However, we are also ready to engage over a new, mutually beneficial trade framework that will be fair and prosperous for both countries.”