‘Don’t sell SA’: What South Africans want Ramaphosa to tell Trump

What is President Cyril Ramaphosa likely to tell Donald Trump when he meets the US president? South Africans on social media have a few ideas for the president ahead of his meeting with Trump tomorrow, 21 May.

Ramaphosa arrived in the US on 19 May, along with a delegation of ministers and officials. His trip, which continues until 22 May, aims to improve challenging relations between South Africa and the United States. 

Recent difficulties include Trump’s resettlement of supposed Afrikaner refugees. There’s also the perception that South Africa (as well as other countries globally) has benefited more than the US from trade deals. 

SA wants Ramaphosa to tell Trump there’s no ‘genocide’

Taking to X on 20 May, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, shared photos of a meeting he had with US officials about trade. Commenting on the post, South Africans had a few thoughts on what Ramaphosa could tell Trump.

Firstly, South Africans want the president to address the issue of ‘refugees’. While some people used their X comments to reinforce the idea, many South Africans want Ramaphosa to tell Trump that there is no genocide in South Africa.

You can't just jump into trade and investment talks without addressing the biggest elephant in the room the United States must tell us why are they constantly spreading misinformation & propaganda without solid evidence of genocide in South Africa we are not impressed by pictures

— Sands-007???????? (@Sneakerchef_05) May 20, 2025

Some users saw a prominent role for Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, who is part of the delegation. Instead of Ramaphosa telling Trump that there is no genocide in South Africa, one user suggested Steenhuisen is better placed to do so.

President Ramaphosa taking his
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen with him to Washington is a Masterpiece! It’s John who must tell Trump that you are LYING about White Genocide! pic.twitter.com/qaC8VWLj5f

— African (@ali_naka) May 19, 2025

Creative ideas for trade deals

However, the biggest concern for South Africans on X appears to be over trade. The South African delegation hopes to negotiate a trade deal with the Trump administration. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers countries on the continent preferential access to the US market, is set to expire. 

To improve trade, X users had a few ideas for what Ramaphosa could tell Trump. A few suggested encouraging US investment in the Transformation Fund. But there were also thoughts about what Ramaphosa should not negotiate:

As long as you do not exchange anything with our mineral resources Minister,please.

— ernest mayiki (@ErnestMayiki) May 20, 2025

Also, a number of South Africans seemed concerned that Trump might treat Ramaphosa with disrespect. They urged the president to assert the value of relations with South Africa.

Whatever happens, do not allow yourselves to be belittled. Maintain your self-respect and dignity. You don't want a seat at their table, you are inviting them to yours.

— Quraysha Ismail Sooliman (@QSooliman38901) May 20, 2025

While South Africa may have bountiful resources to attract the US, there is concern that a deal might disadvantage the country. One South African urged Ramaphosa not to “sell” the country.

Please don’t sell SA or leave us in a worse off position Asseblief

— maud (@medupem) May 20, 2025

What do you want Ramaphosa to tell Trump?

Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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