Ramaphosa Reaches Out to Trump as Land Reform and ICJ Case Spark Diplomatic Clash
Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa is taking a bold diplomatic step by initiating direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in an effort to defuse escalating tensions over South Africa’s land reform agenda and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The diplomatic push follows a series of sharp moves by the Trump administration, including cutting U.S. aid to South Africa and slapping 30% tariffs on key South African exports, citing concerns over the Expropriation Act, which Ramaphosa signed into law in January 2025.
Land Reform Law at the Center of Dispute
The Expropriation Act, which allows for land seizure without compensation under certain conditions, has drawn the ire of the U.S., with Trump alleging it violates property rights and human rights norms. Ramaphosa, however, has firmly rejected these claims, stating that the act is rooted in South Africa’s Constitution and crafted with international legal standards in mind.
Call for Dialogue
In a phone conversation on April 24, Ramaphosa and Trump agreed to meet in person. Meanwhile, South Africa is sending a delegation to Washington to negotiate both trade terms and political misunderstandings. Ramaphosa’s office emphasized the need for “direct diplomacy” over distortion — a clear reference to pressure groups like AfriForum, which have been accused of misrepresenting South Africa’s policies abroad.
Afrikaner Refugee Controversy and Public Skepticism
Further fueling the fire is Trump’s decision to grant refugee status to 49 Afrikaners, citing “persecution and economic displacement,” a move South Africa has slammed as politically motivated and unsubstantiated.
Critics of Ramaphosa argue that the diplomatic outreach reflects South Africa’s economic vulnerability and growing reliance on global partners like the U.S. Others defend the move as a pragmatic step to safeguard the economy amid mounting global scrutiny.
Still, many South Africans remain skeptical about the effectiveness of engaging with Trump, whose volatile rhetoric and populist leanings have often clashed with diplomatic norms.
