ANC says SA-US relationship not beyond repair
JOHANNESBURG – The African National Congress (ANC) believes that diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States are salvageable, despite recent tensions that have strained the partnership between the two nations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday. The meeting is expected to address a range of sensitive issues, including South Africa’s land reform and race relations policies, as well as trade disagreements that have developed since Trump’s return to the White House for a second term earlier this year.
The ANC has acknowledged the deterioration in relations, particularly in light of recent developments that have sparked controversy and international attention. Chief among these was the US government’s decision to accept 49 Afrikaners as refugees under its resettlement programme, citing claims of racial persecution in South Africa. The move triggered outrage from several quarters within the South African government, with some officials describing it as an attack on the country’s sovereignty and an affront to its constitutional principles.
Nonetheless, the ANC remains committed to diplomacy. According to ANC chief whip in Parliament, Mdumiseni Ntuli, the party is confident that the upcoming meeting could serve as a turning point for both countries.
“When the two leaders are sitting down, we believe a lot of clarity will be provided, which will help strengthen the relationship. We don’t need conflict between South Africa and the US—we need cooperation that builds both our economies,” Ntuli told reporters.
The ANC, South Africa’s governing party since the end of apartheid, has long emphasized the importance of international partnerships in achieving economic growth and stability. The US remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, and both countries have benefited from a range of bilateral agreements, including those under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). However, tensions in recent years have threatened the strength of those ties.
ANC: SA-US Relationship Not Beyond Repair
One of the key issues on the table will be trade. The Trump administration has been critical of what it perceives as unfair trade practices and has taken steps to renegotiate agreements with several countries, including allies. In the case of South Africa, American officials have raised concerns about market access and certain tariffs that they argue disadvantage US businesses.
Compounding the trade concerns are growing ideological differences. Trump’s administration has taken a hard stance on what it calls “anti-white discrimination” in South Africa, particularly in reference to land expropriation without compensation. The ANC, for its part, has repeatedly stated that its land reform policies are designed to redress historical injustices and promote inclusive economic growth—not to target any racial group.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, international relations analysts noted that while the diplomatic rift is serious, it is not insurmountable.
“Both countries have much to gain from a stable and productive relationship,” said Dr. Thando Maseko, a foreign policy expert based in Johannesburg. “This meeting could serve as a platform for frank dialogue and a reset in tone.”
In its official communication, the ANC reiterated its commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and respectful engagement with global partners. The party emphasized that open channels of communication—particularly at the level of heads of state—are critical for resolving misunderstandings and advancing mutual interests.
Ntuli echoed this sentiment, stating: “The ANC supports President Ramaphosa in his efforts to protect South Africa’s image abroad and to reaffirm our country’s role as a responsible and cooperative member of the international community. We believe that through dialogue, we can find common ground.”
As anticipation builds around Wednesday’s meeting, both South African and American stakeholders will be watching closely for signs of progress—or further deterioration. The outcome could have lasting implications not only for diplomatic ties, but for economic cooperation and regional stability.
For now, the ANC remains hopeful that constructive engagement, rather than confrontation, will guide the next chapter of South Africa-US relations.
Source- EWN
