‘A true boss’: McKenzie commends Ramaphosa’s diplomatic efforts in US

Cape Town – Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie took to his X (formerly Twitter) account this week to praise President Cyril Ramaphosa for his recent meeting with the US president, thanking him and his delegation for “resetting” the US–South Africa relationship and calling him a “true boss”.

“Thanks for resetting our relationship with America, Mr. President. You handled this meeting like a true boss,” he wrote.

“You made many of us very proud to be South African.”

“Let the haters hate, and the Patriots be Patriotic. Thanks also to your whole delegation.”

Thanks for resetting our relationship with America Mr President, you handled this meeting like a true boss. You made many of us very proud to be South African. Let the haters hate and the Patriots be Patriotic. Thanks also to your whole delegation. pic.twitter.com/ZiNb0K7J9k

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 22, 2025

However, some South Africans strongly disagreed with McKenzie’s sentiments.

Critics on social media described the meeting as embarrassing and accused Ramaphosa of being humiliated, with some suggesting he was out of touch with issues in his own country.

The post sparked a divide, highlighting contrasting public opinions on Ramaphosa’s handling of international relations.