Democratic Alliance leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has publicly stated that he supports the anticipated talks between President Cyril Ramaphosa (his commander in Chief and one time rival) and US President Donald Trump. Steenhuisen who has in the past shown little desire to support Ramaphosa’s agenda and policies welcomed the forthcoming talks as an opportunity to correct misconceptions about said policies in South Africa.
According to IOL, he dismissed claims of land expropriation and genocide, stating that “terrible things” were not happening in the country, contrary to what some have told Trump. “There’s no mass expropriation of land. There’s no genocide taking place at all. I am very glad that the two presidents have spoken,” the report quoted him as saying. Steenhuisen shared his remarks on Thursday, while attending the official working visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Trump’s views were influenced by right-wing groups like AfriForum and Solidarity, who alleged that white South Africans were being persecuted. These claims were rejected by the South African government as false. Steenhuisen emphasised the importance of using the next 90 days wisely to address the tariff situation and restore US-South Africa relations.
Ramaphosa said on Thursday that he had spoken to Trump about the conflict in Ukraine and they planned to meet ‘soon.’
Relations between Pretoria and the new Trump administration have not been sweet. Trump is known to be a lover of theatrics. At the moment his own opinion polls are highly negative. A golden opportunity may have been laid out at Ramaphosa’s feet. Trump has allowed himself to be misled by external forces into severing ties with South Africa with out knowing the full story. Ramaphosa must use these negotiations to remind Trump of South Africa’s strategic and economic importance to the United States. Ramaphosa could be able to save face by persuading Trump to bring the Africa Growth and Development Act (AGOA) back on track. But there is one obstacle that Ramaphosa and the rest of the African National Congress (ANC) has to be weary about. The ongoing case of Genocide against Israel in Gaza in the International Court of Justice that South Africa is Sponsoring on behalf of the Palestinian people.
Trump and his pro-Israeli inner circle want it scrapped. Trump is a business man and above all loves making deals. This is the bargain he wants to strike with Ramaphosa. Make no mistake.
Reports suggest that Trump raised concerns about South Africa’s economic stability, land reform policies, and its foreign policy stance, particularly regarding relations with Russia and China. Ramaphosa, supported by diplomatic and business leaders, sought to provide a balanced perspective on these matters. Steenhuisen highlighted that some international perceptions of South Africa are based on outdated or exaggerated narratives. “South Africa faces challenges, but it remains a key player in Africa with a robust constitutional democracy and a dynamic private sector,” he said. “It is important that global leaders understand the complexities of our situation rather than relying on simplified or politicized views.”
The DA leader’s support for Ramaphosa in this context is significant, given the often-adversarial nature of South African politics. Analysts suggest that Steenhuisen’s stance reflects a strategic recognition that national interests sometimes transcend partisan divides, especially in foreign engagements.
Trump for his part is reaching out to bring South Africa back into the American sphere of influence. His main goal now is to revive American influence in the world as well as greatness. South Africa is a key nation in this. As an access point to Africa’s resources and economic opportunities the elites of Washington are all too aware of South Africa’s economic importance. Ramaphosa for his part could reap the rewards and opportunities that Trump offers if he plays his cards right. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is planning to sponsor a vote of no confidence in parliament against the president.
However, if the DA and the ANC former foes turned coalition partners display a united front Malema and his party may risk isolating themselves. The “Government of National Unity” between the DA and the ANC may be a divisive coalition, but if they choose to put their egos aside for the good of the country, they may be able to make history.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
