The recent meeting between presidents Ramaphosa and Trump surprised many by avoiding drama, but beneath the civility lay a disappointing lack of substance.
Trump fixated on the ‘white genocide’ narrative – an exaggerated and debunked claim – using even a photo from the Congo to support it.
In doing so, he missed the chance to raise a far more legitimate concern: South Africa’s growing framework of race-based legislation.
Beyond B-BBEE, we have the Employment Equity Act, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, the Property Sector Code, and targeted state funding schemes – laws which, taken together, increasingly disadvantage minorities, particularly white South Africans.
These are real issues, not conspiracy theories, and deserve measured international scrutiny.
Ramaphosa, for his part, stayed calm but failed to use the moment. Rather than seeking trade, investment, or infrastructure partnerships, he asked merely for assistance fighting crime. It was a small ask on a big stage.
More telling, though, is the message this meeting sent: America has bigger concerns.
Between China, ending endless wars, and focusing on internal revival, South Africa is slipping off the radar. And with our current trend toward populist and anti-investment policies, we shouldn’t be surprised.
Ramaphosa had a moment to shift the conversation. He let it pass.
JOUDIE ROBBERTS
Sea Park
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