Rebuked by Trump but praised at home: How Ramaphosa might gain from US showdown

This week, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa traveled to Washington, D. C. to meet with President Donald Trump. The meeting was intended to improve relations between the two countries after a period of tension. However, it quickly turned into a challenging diplomatic encounter. Trump reiterated his unfounded claims about a supposed 'white genocide' occurring in South Africa, which many people find to be false and misleading. Ramaphosa managed to maintain his composure during the meeting, but some critics argue that he should have been more assertive in defending his country against Trump's accusations. Back in South Africa, Ramaphosa faces a multitude of challenges. His party, the African National Congress (ANC), is currently in a coalition government with ten other parties due to poor performance in the recent national elections. This coalition has been fraught with disagreements over critical issues such as land reform and healthcare legislation. The economy is struggling, crime rates are alarmingly high, and unemployment remains a significant issue. Public services are largely ineffective, and corruption is rampant. These issues have led to intense scrutiny of Ramaphosa's leadership from various political parties and civil society groups. The ANC itself is experiencing internal instability, with different factions vying for power ahead of a crucial elective conference scheduled for 2027. Ramaphosa's most vocal critics, including Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have been increasingly vocal. Malema was notably featured in Trump's presentation, which included footage of him singing a controversial song that some interpret as inciting violence against white farmers. Ramaphosa was seeking a trade deal with the United States, as he believes that U. S. investment is essential for addressing the high unemployment rate, which is a contributing factor to the country's crime problems. The urgency of securing this deal is heightened by the possibility that it may not be renewed later this year due to Trump's isolationist policies. This trade agreement has provided South Africa with duty-free access to the U. S. market for certain goods, which has been credited with helping to stabilize the country's fragile economy. However, the discussion about trade was overshadowed by Trump's unfounded claims regarding the persecution of white South Africans. Despite the difficulties, there may be a silver lining for Ramaphosa and his party domestically. While the challenges ahead are daunting, and the pressure to maintain a cohesive coalition is immense, the ANC remains in power, albeit in a shared capacity. Ramaphosa's handling of the situation with Trump has reminded many South Africans of his diplomatic skills and his significance in maintaining the country's political stability. He is recognized as one of South Africa's greatest negotiators, having played a pivotal role in ending apartheid in the early 1990s and keeping the nation united during turbulent times. He has successfully navigated the country through the difficult years of the Zuma administration and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Observers believe that if a snap election were held today, Ramaphosa's approval ratings would likely increase. South African editor Verashni Pillay noted that Ramaphosa excels in high-pressure situations, drawing on his extensive experience in negotiations during times of conflict. Surveys have consistently highlighted the 'Ramaphosa Effect,' indicating that without his leadership, the ANC would likely lose even more support. While criticism of Ramaphosa's slow response to the country's pressing issues persists, the events of this week, which were intended to undermine him, may have inadvertently reinforced his position as a steady leader. The meeting with Trump showcased a united front from South Africa, with Ramaphosa and other leaders standing together against the misinformation presented by the U. S. president. Political analyst Itumeleng Makgetla emphasized that the meeting demonstrated a strong public-private partnership, which has been a key theme for the coalition government. The optics of the meeting were significant, as Ramaphosa was able to counter Trump's claims with support from his coalition partners, including John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), and Johann Rupert, one of South Africa's wealthiest individuals. This collaboration sent a powerful message about the unity of South Africa's leadership. As the dust settles from the meeting, questions arise about the implications for more extreme political factions in South Africa. Some believe that Malema may gain political capital from being thrust into the international spotlight, while others argue that his brand of politics, which often involves blaming white people for the country's problems, has not resonated with the majority of South Africans. There is a growing desire among some citizens for more radical change, as evidenced by the recent electoral performance of the MK party, a breakaway faction of the ANC. Meanwhile, Afriforum, an organization advocating for Afrikaner interests, has faced backlash for its attempts to gain attention through right-wing propaganda. Trump's presentation of discredited claims regarding the persecution of white Afrikaner farmers has been seen as a peak in their lobbying efforts, but many South Africans are frustrated with the group. As Ramaphosa reflects on the events of the week, he will be considering how to navigate the complex political landscape in South Africa. He has a history of being at the center of pivotal moments in the country's history, and he has a keen ability to recognize when change is necessary. While the meeting with Trump may not have resulted in the hoped-for economic reset, it could still signify a new beginning for Ramaphosa and the coalition government in the eyes of the South African public.