Overview

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Washington with a delegation to negotiate a reset in U.S.-South Africa relations, focusing on trade, tariffs, and economic cooperation.
• Ramaphosa plans to counter claims of a 'white genocide' and defend South Africa's land reform policies during his meeting with President Trump on Wednesday.
• The delegation includes Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, who aims to highlight the economic importance of AGOA and dispel allegations of racial persecution against white South Africans.
• Proposals under consideration include favorable tariffs for Tesla and Starlink in exchange for infrastructure investments in South Africa, reflecting a business-focused diplomatic strategy.
• The visit comes as South Africa faces U.S. tariffs, aid cuts, and strained ties over its foreign policy positions on Israel, Iran, and the BRICS alliance.