Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with the United States, despite concerns over what he described as the “mischaracterisation” of the country’s policies by the current US administration.
Speaking during a Question and Answer session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Ramaphosa described the US as a “strategic and historic partner”, highlighting ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral relations through political, diplomatic, and trade engagements.
His remarks come at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions following US statements and an executive order that, according to Ramaphosa, have misrepresented aspects of South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy.
Ramaphosa outlined the steps taken by South Africa’s government to bolster relations with Washington, particularly in the wake of the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) last year.
He noted that key ministers, including those responsible for international relations and trade, have undertaken official visits to Washington, DC, where they engaged with US officials, members of Congress, business leaders, and academics.
Honourable Members,
The United States remains a strategic and historic partner.
South Africa maintains its active engagement with the United States through political, diplomatic and economic channels.
Soon after the establishment of the Government of National Unity last… pic.twitter.com/foCYZno9Qo
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 11, 2025
These visits, he said, were aimed at reinforcing South Africa’s diplomatic presence and ensuring that mutual interests remain at the forefront of bilateral relations.
“Soon after the establishment of the Government of National Unity last year, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and the Minister and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition undertook official visits to Washington DC for engagements with the administration, members of Congress, business and academia,” Ramaphosa said.
The president said that following US President Donald Trump’s re-election in November, he personally reached out to congratulate him and reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to a strong partnership. The call, he said, was in line with diplomatic norms and aimed at ensuring continuity in engagement between the two nations.
New ambassador to Washington
In a further effort to strengthen ties, South Africa has deployed veteran diplomat Ebrahim Rasool as its ambassador to the US.
Rasool, who previously served in the role, is now in Washington, where he and his team are engaging with various stakeholders to promote economic cooperation, political dialogue, and cultural exchange.
“Ambassador Rasool is on the ground with his team, engaging with various stakeholders to underscore the importance of deepening economic, political, and cultural relations between these two historic partners,” Ramaphosa said.
AddressingUS concerns and countering misinformation
Despite these efforts, relations between South Africa and the US have faced challenges, particularly in the wake of recent policy decisions by the Trump administration. Washington has expressed concerns over South Africa’s stance on global issues, as well as aspects of its domestic policies, leading to speculation about potential diplomatic strain.
While Ramaphosa did not specify which executive order or statements he was referring to, recent reports indicate that the US government has been closely monitoring South Africa’s foreign policy decisions, particularly its position on international conflicts and its trade relations with nations sanctioned by Washington.
Ramaphosa pushed back against these concerns, saying his government had noted the “mischaracterisation” of South Africa’s policies and would take steps to correct any misconceptions.
“We have taken note of an Executive Order and recent statements by the current US administration about South Africa and aspects of our domestic and foreign policy.
“We have expressed concern about the mischaracterisation of the situation in South Africa and certain of our laws and our foreign policy positions,” he said.
The president assured Parliament that South Africa would continue to engage with the US administration and other stakeholders to restore and strengthen ties, despite these challenges.
South Africa’s relationship with the US has historically been complex, shaped by trade, investment, and geopolitical considerations. The US remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners, with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) playing a significant role in facilitating trade between the two countries.
However, South Africa’s neutral stance on global conflicts, its relations with BRICS nations — including Russia and China — and its vocal support for Palestine have drawn scrutiny from Washington in recent years.
Additionally, lobby groups such as AfriForum and Solidarity have reportedly influenced US policymakers by presenting narratives about discrimination and governance issues in South Africa, further complicating diplomatic relations.
Despite these tensions, Ramaphosa’s remarks signal his administration’s intent to maintain constructive dialogue with Washington while addressing any misrepresentations that could harm South Africa’s international standing.
With Ambassador Rasool now actively engaging in Washington, South Africa hopes to navigate these diplomatic hurdles and reinforce its commitment to strong economic and political ties with the US.
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