Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump in the White House: A masterclass in diplomatic finesse

Wednesday night's live discussion between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former US President Donald  Trump was a masterclass in contrasts—diplomatic finesse versus inflammatory statements.

First  and foremost, well done to our president for handling Trump with diplomacy and composure, even  though he was insulted on air several times. Ramaphosa’s restraint and strategic responses  showcased the kind of leadership South Africa needs on the global stage. He did not rise to the  bait, nor did he allow Trump’s provocations to derail the conversation from critical issues affecting  our nation.  

I commend both the ANC and John Steenhuisen from the DA for presenting a united front,  advocating for an arrangement beneficial to all South Africans. Steenhuisen’s perspective as a  white South African leader added a necessary layer to the discussion, reinforcing Ramaphosa’s  arguments while subtly countering Trump’s divisive narratives.

It was a rare moment of political  cohesion, proving that when national interest is at stake, our leaders can rise above partisan  squabbles.  

Johann Rupert’s intervention was equally pivotal, as he highlighted the relentless gang violence on  the Cape Flats—a crisis that claims more lives than the often sensationalised killings of white  Afrikaner farmers.

His remarks forced an uncomfortable but necessary reckoning with the realities  of crime in South Africa, beyond the skewed narratives that dominate international discourse.  

And then of-course let’s face it, the journalist who asked the jet question after the screening of the  documentary, which caught Ramaphosa off guard, not only deflected Trump’s efforts but added  much required comic relief to a very tense situation. 

Equally commendable was the South African journalist who raised the ICJ case against Israel, the  elephant in the room amid discussions of global conflicts like the DRC and Ukraine. It was a bold  move, reminding the world that South Africa’s foreign policy is rooted in justice. 

Ramaphosa also deserves praise for proverbially handing the mic to a woman in what felt like a  “Boys’ Club” meeting.

COSATU’s Zingiswa Losi delivered a powerful critique of the systemic  violence against rural workers, particularly black women and children—an issue that likely, was not  on the official agenda, remains one of South Africa’s most pressing crises.

Her presence and  clarity emphasised the urgent need for gender-sensitive policymaking in a country plagued by  femicide and economic exclusion.  

That said, the discussion was not without its flaws. Both Ramaphosa and Steenhuisen seemed to  throw the EFF under the bus, framing their radical rhetoric as a present danger rather than  acknowledging that those chants were from years ago.

Context matters, and omitting it allowed  Trump to exploit the moment for his own fearmongering. Similarly, Steenhuisen’s claim that “we  want to keep them out of government” was misleading—the EFF chose not to join the Government  of National Unity (GNU). Politicians will bend the truth as it suits them.  

What I did takeaway from Trump’s discussion points was the fear factor of white farmers, which we  cannot dismiss. As a nation we have to condemn hate speech, and create a society where we all  feel safe.  

One only needs to visit the Cape Winelands to see the scale of white land ownership and wealth  incurred as a result of colonialism and apartheid.  

I believe the expropriation of land was touched on but perhaps too much detail would be lost on the  Trump administration, who does not seem to have a clear understanding of the impact of apartheid  on the lives of the majority of South Africans, and it’s intergenerational legacy and scars. 

As a filmmaker and tech-founder, who frequently collaborates with the US industry, I hope these  discussions yield tangible benefits for South Africa, without us having to sell our souls for foreign  investment.

Last night proved that while we may not always agree politically, there is value in  presenting a united front against those who seek to undermine our sovereignty or distort our  realities.  

Last night was a reminder that South Africa’s voice matters. Our leaders, when they choose unity  over division, can hold their own against even the most prominent voices on the global political  stage. The world was watching and we gave them a lesson in grace. 

**Weaam Williams is a multiple award-winning filmmaker, actress and tech founder.

*** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL

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