South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faced a barrage of unfounded claims from U.S. President Donald Trump during a tense Oval Office meeting on Wednesday.
Trump accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, a theory Ramaphosa calmly and firmly refuted.
Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Ramaphosa countered Trump’s “white genocide” rhetoric with facts about widespread criminal violence affecting all communities.
“People who do get killed are not only white people. Majority of them are Black people,” Ramaphosa stated.
His measured response drew praise in South Africa, where many saw echoes of Nelson Mandela’s dignified approach to conflict.
Political analyst Ralph Mathekga said Ramaphosa “managed his emotions in a tactful way,” avoiding provocation despite Trump’s interruptions.
The meeting unfolded amid strained relations, with Trump having cut aid, threatened tariffs, and expelled South Africa’s ambassador over these disputed claims.
Ramaphosa was accompanied by influential figures including billionaire Johann Rupert and golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, a strategic move to appeal to Trump’s interests.
Despite the hostility, Ramaphosa sought to maintain a diplomatic tone, even using humour to ease tensions during the heated exchange.
At one point, when Trump raged over a question about a luxury jet, Ramaphosa quipped, “I am sorry I don’t have a plane to give you.”
Trump’s response was terse: “I wish you did.”
Observers rated Ramaphosa’s performance around 7 out of 10, noting his skill in navigating a difficult encounter.
Some questioned the wisdom of the visit given the current frostiness in U.S.-South Africa ties.
Still, Ramaphosa’s calm under fire was widely seen as a testament to his negotiation skills and political maturity.