Ramaphosa Arrives in Washington Amid Diplomatic Reset and Political Criticism

By Ollus Ndomu

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa touched down at Joint Base Andrews on Monday for a working visit to the United States, marking a significant attempt to recalibrate relations between Pretoria and Washington after months of simmering diplomatic strain.

The president was welcomed by Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, South African Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Stanley Makgohlo, Colonel Pumla Dlali, and Ms. Abby Jones, Acting Chief of Protocol at the U.S. State Department.

According to the Presidency, the visit aims to “reset and revitalise” bilateral ties, with a sharp focus on reframing economic and commercial engagement between South Africa and the United States. Ramaphosa’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with U.S. government officials, congressional leaders, and business stakeholders.

“This visit is about reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to a balanced and mutually respectful partnership,” a senior official in the South African delegation told [News Outlet]. “We are here to engage constructively, not capitulate.”

However, the visit has not gone without domestic controversy.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema issued a scathing critique of the trip, calling it “poorly timed” and a “threat to South Africa’s sovereignty.” Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, Malema accused Ramaphosa of seeking approval from Western powers at the expense of national dignity.

“He is not going to Washington to represent the people; he is going to kneel before them,” Malema said. “We cannot allow our foreign policy to be dictated by external pressure. This president is risking too much for too little.”

The visit comes against the backdrop of lingering tensions between the two countries, including past accusations by former U.S. President Donald Trump that South Africa was forcibly expropriating land from White farmers—claims President Ramaphosa has consistently denied. While the Biden administration has taken a more measured tone, concerns around land reform, economic policy, and South Africa’s diplomatic stance on global conflicts continue to complicate the bilateral narrative.

Malema also dismissed recent reports that White South Africans are “fleeing to the U.S.” due to rising violence, calling the stories “fiction” and “drama aimed at manipulating sentiment and justifying foreign interference.”

Despite the criticism, Pretoria maintains that this visit is a strategic recalibration aimed at promoting South Africa as a stable, sovereign investment destination in a shifting global order.

“South Africa’s foreign policy is non-aligned and values-based,” Trade Minister Tau told journalists. “Engagement with the U.S. is one pillar of a broader global strategy. We are not here to choose sides—we are here to build bridges.”

The visit is expected to conclude on Thursday, with a joint communiqué anticipated. Whether Ramaphosa returns with tangible wins or further domestic pushback remains to be seen—but the stakes, both diplomatically and politically, are undeniably high.

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