Cape Town – EFF leader Julius Malema has strongly criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming visit to the United States, where Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump.
According to SABC News, Malema argued that South Africa and the US have conflicting geo-political ideologies and warned that Ramaphosa may be pressured to compromise South Africa’s core policies for political gain.
He urged Ramaphosa not to return if he sacrifices the country’s sovereignty.
“It’s a waste of time. If he wants them to start treating him differently and is going to beg them to attend the G20, he is going have to compromise some of the fundamental policies of this country, which we are not prepared (for).
“If he does that he must not come back. He must stay there with that 49 Afrikaaners. He must also stay there because he cannot compromise our sovereignty for political expedience,” the report quoted Malema as saying.
King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the AbaThembu also expressed concern, suggesting that Ramaphosa’s trips to the West often result in external influence over South Africa’s governance and resources.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has affirmed that South Africa’s upcoming talks with Trump will focus on key bilateral issues such as trade, diplomacy, and economic relations, despite recent tensions.
Speaking after an ANC event in Kimberley on Friday, Ramaphosa emphasised a firm, business-like approach.
President @CyrilRamaphosa spoke to members of the media earlier today ahead of his working visit to the United States to meet with President Trump. pic.twitter.com/hJpQPLLO3y
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) May 17, 2025
“We are not going to be distracted by anything.
“We will just focus on what is important for our country,” he said.
Ramaphosa also dismissed false claims by the Trump administration about white genocide in South Africa and insisted these narratives do not reflect the country’s identity or values.
“We are a sovereign state and we will be conducting our discussions in a business-like manner, representing the interests of our country,” he said.
“Every South African knows and agrees that there’s no genocide here.
The false narratives about a genocide are not a reflection of who we are as a nation and during our working visit to the U.S. we will be advancing a proudly South African message. pic.twitter.com/x1MI8N76bt
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) May 16, 2025
“And the false stories that have been perpetrated or that have been vended around, we all know are not true. They are not a reflection of who we are.”
The delegation, including Ministers Ronald Lamola, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and DA leader John Steenhuisen, aims to address US tariffs on South African goods and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to inclusive development and pragmatic diplomacy.
Relations between South Africa and the US have deteriorated since President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump has openly criticised Ramaphosa’s administration, and in February, he signed an executive order halting all US funding to South Africa.
The move was in response to South Africa’s land reform policies and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
