ISLAMABAD (PEN) : A high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took an unexpected turn on Wednesday after Trump raised debunked claims of violence targeting white farmers in South Africa, straining what was intended to be a diplomatic reset between the two nations.
Trump Cites Disputed Evidence
During their Oval Office meeting, President Trump presented a video and printed media clippings that he claimed showed targeted attacks against white South African farmers. The video, featuring white crosses and past political speeches, was shown on a television temporarily installed for the encounter.
“These people are fleeing for their safety,” Trump said, referring to white farmers. “Their land is being confiscated, and in many cases, they’re being killed.”
However, the video shown included protest footage from 2020. Organizers of the demonstration have previously clarified that the crosses were symbolic, not representative of recent deaths. According to South African police data, only 44 of the 26,232 murders recorded in 2024 were connected to farming communities, and just eight of those involved white farmers.
Ramaphosa Responds Calmly
President Ramaphosa, maintaining a diplomatic tone, responded by acknowledging South Africa’s crime challenges but rejected the genocide narrative.
“There is crime in South Africa, yes. But the majority of victims are Black,” he told Trump. “These are concerns we are willing to talk to you about.”
Ramaphosa was joined by South African businessmen and public figures—including white golfers—in an attempt to underscore a message of inclusivity and economic cooperation.
Diplomatic Reset Derailed
The meeting had originally been aimed at rebuilding ties following a series of setbacks, including the U.S. cancellation of aid to South Africa and the expulsion of Pretoria’s ambassador. South Africa is currently seeking to avoid a potential 30% tariff under suspended U.S. trade preferences, making economic dialogue a priority for Ramaphosa’s administration.
However, Trump, echoing claims popular in some far-right circles and backed by his South African-born ally Elon Musk—who was present—steered the discussion toward race-based narratives. “This is sort of the opposite of apartheid,” Trump said, referring to post-apartheid land reforms.
South African authorities emphasized that no land seizures have occurred under the country’s new expropriation law, which permits land acquisition without compensation only under strict judicial oversight and in the public interest.
South Africa Holds Its Ground
Speaking after the meeting, Ramaphosa rejected the central premise of Trump’s claims. “There is just no genocide in South Africa,” he told reporters. Business magnate Johann Rupert, also part of the South African delegation, added, “Crime is a problem across the board,” highlighting that violence affects citizens regardless of race.
Despite the uncomfortable exchange, Ramaphosa said the two countries agreed to explore cooperation in critical minerals and liquefied natural gas imports. He also emphasized South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency, although Trump declined to confirm attendance at the November summit in Cape Town.
The meeting underscored persistent tensions in U.S.–South Africa relations under the Trump administration, particularly regarding race, crime, and human rights. While both sides signaled a willingness to continue diplomatic and economic dialogue, the confrontation highlighted the challenges of reconciling differing narratives and geopolitical priorities.
