President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that his recent visit to the United States took place at a time when diplomatic relations between the two nations were increasingly strained, largely due to the spread of disinformation.
In his latest weekly newsletter, the president expressed concern over false narratives being circulated by what he described as fringe elements in both South Africa and the US.
These narratives, including unfounded claims of a “white genocide” and systematic violence against white farmers, have, according to Ramaphosa, distorted perceptions of the country’s internal affairs.
Despite these tensions, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to its relationship with the United States, which he described as an important partner in trade and investment. He emphasised the country’s intention to strengthen bilateral ties and clear up misconceptions through direct engagement.
Ramaphosa was in the US last week for a working visit at the invitation of President Donald Trump. While the visit was intended to deepen strategic economic relations, it was somewhat overshadowed by the resurfacing of controversial and misleading claims about South Africa’s domestic situation.
He explained that part of the purpose of the visit was to address these concerns head-on by engaging directly with the US administration to offer a more accurate portrayal of the challenges facing South Africa and to counteract misleading information.
Beyond the political optics, Ramaphosa said the visit was primarily focused on reinforcing economic cooperation. He highlighted the US as South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, playing a crucial role in the export of goods such as motor vehicles, agricultural products, and an increasing volume of critical minerals.
The president concluded by underscoring the importance of diplomacy in combating disinformation and maintaining strong international partnerships that support South Africa’s economic interests.
