Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
25 May 2025 | 11:30 CAT

South Africa President Ramaphosa and US President Trump meet in the Oval Office amid tense discussions on bilateral relations and controversial issues.

A fiery exchange and tense moments marked the recent diplomatic engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office—an encounter that political analyst Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast says was more of a strategic standoff than a diplomatic disaster.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Dr. Breakfast dismissed the notion that the meeting “went wrong,” explaining that the underlying goal was to “mend the bilateral relationship between the two states.” He believes that, despite the tension, “we did achieve our intended objective.”

The meeting, which took a sharp turn when the issue of farm killings was raised, saw President Ramaphosa keeping his composure under intense pressure. “It’s not easy to interact with a person like Donald Trump… He’s very unpredictable,” said Dr. Breakfast, noting that the President “did very well,” especially compared to how “other meetings have gone wrong with other heads of states.”

Much of the drama, however, stemmed from Trump’s recurring claim that South Africa is heading toward “a reverse apartheid.” According to Dr. Breakfast, this narrative is being pushed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. “Had it not been for Elon Musk, Trump would never have ascended to the helm of power… He’s the one pushing this agenda.”

Questions were also raised about the unusual composition of the South African delegation, which included millionaire businessman Anton Rupert and DA leader John Steenhuisen. “I’ve got mixed feelings,” said Breakfast, hinting at double standards and racial biases. “Imagine what would have happened had Ramaphosa gone with, let’s say, a black person. People would have said that is state capture.”

Despite the criticism, Ramaphosa’s approach during the press briefing was lauded. Rather than monopolizing the platform, the President allowed various delegates—including the Minister of Agriculture and Rupert—to respond, highlighting that “those inputs were central in lifting up his argument.”

The standout moment, according to Dr. Breakfast, came when Ramaphosa was asked what message would satisfy Trump. “He needs to listen,” Ramaphosa replied—a move Breakfast labelled “a masterstroke.”

While American media portrayed Trump as lacking statesmanship, Ramaphosa emerged as a “well-polished politician,” leaving many South Africans with a sense of pride. “He stood out. He made us proud,” Dr. Breakfast concluded.

Listen to the full interview in The Daily Round Up with Annisa Essack and Dr Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast.