President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump are set to meet to discuss ‘White Genocide’ claims in South Africa.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Media
President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming visit to the US is expected to be a high-stakes encounter with President Donald Trump, with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen joining the delegation to help negotiate for the continuation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The meeting aims to reset strained relations between the two countries and secure a favorable trade deal.
Ramaphosa and Steenhuisen, who is also the DA leader, will be joined by Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and International Relations and Minister Ronald Lamola.
New special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas is also part of the team.
Steenhuisen's spokesperson Charity McCord, on Sunday confirmed that Ramaphosa and his delegation were already en-route and would be landing in the US on Sunday night.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
However, McCord could not divulge what Steenhuisen’s focus and interests would be.
“The minister is going in his capacity as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development not as party leader.
“I can't get into too much detail because he is going in his capacity as a minister…but he is most likely going to discuss issues pertaining to agriculture," McCord said.
Sources within the government confirmed that the strategic choice to select Steenhuisen was because agriculture was the biggest trade sector with the US and he would likely negotiate to save the AGOA deal.
Tau said if South Africa did not get the AGOA renewal, it would impact the country’s competitiveness, and consequences would be job losses and business struggling in the current economic environment.
Steenhuisen will play a crucial role in the negotiations, also focusing on agricultural exports and trade agreements.
"America is one of our largest markets, and we need to mend fences," Steenhuisen said, emphasising the importance of bilateral trade agreements.
According to sources, Ramaphosa will enter the White House armed with a comprehensive trade deal, which includes agriculture, gas, automotive, minerals, and reciprocals.
The deal aims to give the US greater access to the South African market, potentially replacing AGOA.
However, Steenhuisen has highlighted the need for a backup plan, suggesting diversification and negotiating deals with other countries.
Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said he expects a "robust" meeting but insists Ramaphosa will not back down on his assertion that no genocide is happening in South Africa.
Cape Argus