Cape Town, South Africa (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House next week following Trump’s claims and South Africa’s denial regarding alleged “genocide” against white farmers in predominantly black nations.
The meeting, announced by the South African government on Wednesday and scheduled for May 21, The US accepted 59 white South Africans as refugees. According to the Trump administration, this represents a larger relocation effort aimed at minority African farmers who have asserted that Trump is under scrutiny in their communities due to their race. The South African government refuted these claims, stating that white individuals in most black nations are not subject to targeted persecution.
Ramaphosa’s office indicated that he will be in the US from next Monday through Thursday, meeting with Trump at the White House on Wednesday. The purpose of Ramaphosa’s visit is to “reset the strategic ties between the two nations,” as stated by his office.
President Donald Trump will listen as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signs executive orders and declarations at the White House presidential office in Washington on Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The White House has not yet commented on the meeting. This will be the first time a leader from an African country meets with Trump since he took office in January.
Trump has been critical of South Africa’s black leadership on various issues and issued an executive order on February 7th.
The Republican president has targeted South Africa, citing what the US describes as racist policies against white individuals and accusing the government of “instigating” violence against white farmers. The South African government acknowledges that the killing of a relatively small number of white farmers deserves condemnation, but insists it is part of a broader challenge with violent crime and is not racially motivated.
On Monday, Trump mentioned that the initial group ofAfrican refugees had arrived at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, as he remarked about a time when “genocide was occurring” against white farmers, which he claims was overlooked by the global media.
The US’s critique of South Africa’s racially discriminatory laws seemingly refers to the Affirmative Action Act, which promotes opportunities for black individuals, alongside a new land expropriation law that permits the government to seize private land without compensation. The government contends that this law is not about confiscation but is intended for unused land that can be redistributed for public benefit; however, some African groups argue it could lead to the seizure and redistribution of land to benefit a portion of the black majority in the country.
African refugees from South Africa arrive at Dulles International Airport, Virginia on Monday, May 12, 2025 (AP Photo/Julia DeMarinikinson)
Since taking office in January, Trump has implemented measures across the federal government to abolish diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The administration has also warned non-governmental entities like educational institutions that they may lose financial support unless they conform to these directives.
Trump has also mandated that government contractors and other recipients of federal funds demonstrate, under the threat of significant financial penalties, that they do not run DEI programs that contravene anti-discrimination laws.
South Africans are the descendants of Dutch, French, and German colonial settlers who first arrived in the region in the 17th century, and they were leaders of the former apartheid regime. Among South Africa’s 62 million inhabitants, approximately 2.7 million are Afrikaners, constituting more than 80%. In contrast, nearly two million are of British and other descent.
Trump has further accused South Africa of adopting an antagonistic stance towards the US and its allies in its foreign policy, as well as supporting extremist groups like Hamas and Iran.
The executive order signed by Trump cited South Africa’s choice to accuse Israel of genocidal actions in Gaza during an ongoing case at the International Court of Justice. This follows a military strike initiated by Israel after a Hamas-led attack killed 1,200 individuals in southern Israel in October 2023.
Israeli military actions have resulted in over 52,928 Palestinian fatalities, many of whom were women and children. Approximately 3,000 have died since then, after Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18th.
Israel has reinstated blockades on food, fuel, and medicines, worsening the humanitarian crisis affecting 2.3 million Palestinians, with essential supplies having been restricted from entering Gaza for weeks.
Ramaphosa has consistently expressed his intention to diplomatically engage with Trump and enhance bilateral relations, asserting that Trump’s criticisms stem from misunderstandings regarding South African laws and the treatment of farmers.
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Super Yu reported from Washington.
Source: apnews.com