Overview

• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and a five-member delegation, including opposition leader John Steenhuisen, have arrived in Washington, D.C. for a four-day visit.
• The delegation aims to counter U.S. criticisms of South Africa’s Expropriation Act, racial employment quotas, and foreign policy ties with Iran and the ICJ case against Israel.
• President Trump suspended $450 million in U.S. aid earlier this year and extended refugee status to Afrikaner farmers, citing concerns over land seizures and alleged racial discrimination.
• South African officials maintain their stance that U.S. objections are based on misinformation, with Steenhuisen positioned to refute claims of 'white genocide.'
• The May 21 meeting between Trump and Ramaphosa is seen as a pivotal opportunity to negotiate compromises or risk further escalation in the diplomatic standoff.