The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa, his cabinet members in the Government of National Unity (“GNU”) and President Donald Trump should be welcomed and supported. The Foundation has already advocated, in an open letter released earlier this year, for constructive dialogue between the Union Buildings and the White House.

The Foundation believes that matters that benefit both South Africa and the United States should be focused on, rather than trivial domestic issues.

The spotlight should be particularly focused on trade and matters related to strategic geo-political cooperation.

On the trade front, South Africa remains the US’s largest trading partner in Africa. Trade between the two countries already amounts to more than $20 billion.

There are also approximately 600 US companies operating in South Africa. These companies employ up to 200,000 people.

The United States also imports several important minerals from South Africa, including platinum, gold, chromium, manganese and various other ores and slag. According to the Minerals Council, platinum group metals form a significant part of South Africa’s exports to the US, as do iron and steel.

These exports amounted to approximately US$10.94 million in 2024. The Trump administration has also exempted these minerals from his tariff hikes.

On a geopolitical level, President Ramaphosa plays a highly strategic role behind the scenes. His ties with both Putin and Zelensky, as well as the fact that he has the ear of Iran and Hamas, puts him in a unique position to work with the US to help bring peace to conflict-torn parts of the world. He has already touched on these issues in an earlier telephone conversation with President Trump. In addition, let’s not forget his good relationship with President Xi Jinping of China.

President Ramaphosa should use these ‘trump’ cards to help promote world peace and to help negotiate a fairer global trade regime.

The world faces significant challenges. Poverty, underdevelopment, famine, crime, international drug cartels and terrorist groups pose major risks to world peace and stability. Statesmanship and visionary leadership are needed to tackle these challenges together. This is what both South Africans and Americans expect from their political leaders.

The Foundation also welcomes the clarification by cabinet members in the GNU in terms of domestic policy issues such as the Expropriation Act and also disinformation campaigns related to genocide, persecution of Afrikaners and confiscation of land from white farmers happening in South Africa. This is simply not true! It is the responsibility of all cabinet members, especially those from opposition ranks such as the IFP, DA, FF-plus and PA, to put South Africa’s interests first. Their actions must be future-oriented and the focus must be on strengthening a coalition of political moderates and pragmatists to take the country forward. A strong and united political front of moderates and pragmatists must be built to solve the many challenges we face.

Animosity and squabbling over trivialities between GNU partners only provides ammunition to radical elements which do not seek to promote South Africa’s interests, but are rather hellbent on promoting their populist, unworkable and divisive agendas.

The Foundation wishes the GNU representatives, led by President Ramaphosa, all the best in Washington. The majority of the people of South Africa have placed their trust in the GNU. Do not let us down!

Issued by Christo van der Rheede on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation