In a high-stakes diplomatic engagement on May 21, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, aiming to mend strained bilateral relations. However, the meeting took an unexpected turn when President Trump confronted Ramaphosa with unverified claims of a “white genocide” occurring in South Africa

During the Oval Office meeting, Trump dimmed the lights and presented a video alleging systematic killings of white South African farmers. President Ramaphosa firmly rejected these accusations, emphasizing that South Africa’s high crime rates affect all citizens, with the majority of victims being Black South Africans. He stated, “There is criminality in our country… People who do get killed unfortunately through criminal activity are not only white people. The majority of them are Black people.”

The confrontation was further intensified by the presence of South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who has previously criticized South Africa’s policies. Musk’s attendance underscored the complex dynamics influencing U.S.-South Africa relations.

Despite the tension, President Ramaphosa sought to steer the conversation towards constructive dialogue. He proposed further discussions on critical minerals and submitted a trade proposal involving U.S. liquefied natural gas. Ramaphosa’s delegation included notable figures such as golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and billionaire Johann Rupert, aiming to highlight South Africa’s commitment to fostering positive international relations.

Back home, President Ramaphosa continues to focus on domestic reforms. On January 23, 2025, he assented to the Expropriation Act, 2024, replacing the apartheid-era Expropriation Act of 1975. The new legislation aims to advance land reform and promote equitable land distribution, aligning with the principles outlined in the Freedom Charter.

Looking ahead, South Africa is set to host the 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit on November 22–23, marking the first G20 summit on the African continent. President Ramaphosa will chair the summit, which is expected to focus on themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

As President Ramaphosa navigates both international challenges and domestic reforms, his leadership remains pivotal in shaping South Africa’s trajectory on the global stage.