South Africa Must Prioritize Business Over Politics to Mend Ties with Trump

As South Africa navigates its relationship with the United States under Donald Trump’s presidency, experts believe the best approach is business-focused diplomacy. Analysts suggest that SA should avoid politically divisive topics such as diversity, equality, and inclusivity (DEI) and instead present mutually beneficial business deals to strengthen economic ties.

Engaging Trump on His Terms: Business, Not Politics

According to Dr. Jan Venter, an international relations expert from North-West University, South Africa should align its diplomatic strategy with Trump’s pro-business agenda.

“We must go to America not to change his mind on the Afrikaners or farmers, but to confirm that he is the leader of the free world and that we are ideologically more inclined to do what he thinks is good,” Venter said.

He added that South Africa must send a high-level business delegation to engage with Trump in the language he understands—business. Trump already has business interests in South Africa, and proposals that align with those could improve relations.

Lessons from Ukraine: Playing the Long Game

Venter compared South Africa’s position to Ukraine’s approach to US relations, suggesting that South Africa could wait out Trump’s presidency while maintaining strategic engagement.

Similarly, former SA ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, pointed out that Trump’s presidency has a time limit, and tensions will ease after his term ends. However, he warned that South Africa must be prepared to endure rhetoric from Trump’s administration, including from US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell.

“If we play the politics correctly, there might be opportunities, but we will have to stomach a lot of rhetoric,” Rasool said.

The Role of Tony Leon in US-SA Relations

The appointment of former DA leader Tony Leon as SA’s ambassador to the US has raised concerns among analysts.

Independent political analyst Sandile Swana believes Leon’s political stance might cause diplomatic friction rather than improve relations.

“Leon will agree with the US and differ with his own president. So there will be no progress there whatsoever,” Swana argued.

Topics South Africa Should Avoid in Talks with Trump

While economic cooperation could improve relations, Swana warned that certain topics would derail discussions. These include:

• The International Court of Justice cases

• Affirmative action policies

• Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)

• Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity (DEI) initiatives

“DEI, affirmative action, and B-BBEE are opposed by Trump’s administration but are supported by the ANC. Discussing these will lead to failure,” Swana explained.

A Strategic Business Approach

To repair relations with the US, South Africa must prioritize business proposals that benefit both nations while steering clear of ideological clashes. Experts suggest that a single well-planned trip by a business-strong delegation could reset diplomatic ties and create economic opportunities for South Africa.

Should South Africa focus on business-first diplomacy with the US?

{Source The Citizen}

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