South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with United States President Donald Trump in Washington DC on Wednesday, with Johann Rupert, the nation’s richest man, potentially in the delegation. Rupert, a prominent Afrikaner businessman with substantial investments in South African farming, has been instrumental in facilitating this high-profile meeting, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
The backdrop of this engagement is significant. The South African government is currently reeling from an executive order issued by Trump on 7 February that cut off all funding to the country—an unprecedented move that has serious implications for essential areas such as HIV and TB research. Trump’s controversial comments equating land reform initiatives in South Africa with the “grabbing” by the state of white farmers has compounded tensions. Furthermore, he has accused the country of aligning with US adversaries, including Iran and Hamas, posing additional challenges to bilateral relations.
Rupert’s dissatisfaction with Trump’s portrayal of Afrikaners as “refugees” and victims of a genocide appears to have motivated him to play a proactive role in improving communications between the two leaders. The respected financier reportedly urged Trump to engage meaningfully with Ramaphosa, distancing the administration from inflammatory rhetoric. An unnamed source quoted in The Daily Maverick described Rupert as a “true patriot,” highlighting a sense of urgency in addressing the narrative surrounding South Africa in American political discourse.
Known for his affinity with golf, a shared interest with Trump, Rupert previously facilitated a telephone call between Trump and Ramaphosa shortly after the latter’s election in November. It is still uncertain whether Rupert will officially join Ramaphosa’s delegation for the meeting with Trump, as discussions on the attendees are ongoing.
Ramaphosa’s delegation includes key figures such as International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Nthavheni, alongside his special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas. Each of these individuals is tasked with re-establishing and strengthening ties that have soured in recent months.
The upcoming meeting is pivotal for South Africa, not only to address immediate economic concerns exacerbated by the funding cuts but also to reset a diplomatic relationship that has been characterized by miscommunications and misunderstandings.