‘No Genocide, No Land Grabs’: Steenhuisen Supports Ramaphosa Ahead of Trump Talks

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has come out in full support of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump, saying it’s a crucial chance to set the record straight on South Africa’s image abroad.

Speaking to IOL on Thursday during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s state visit to Pretoria, Steenhuisen said the country needs to “tread very wisely” during this tense period of diplomatic strain. His remarks come amid a 90-day window to address trade tensions following Trump’s implementation of 30% tariffs on South African goods.

“There’s no mass expropriation of land. There’s no genocide taking place at all. I am very glad that the two presidents have spoken,” said Steenhuisen, dismissing narratives pushed by lobby groups such as AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement, who alleged that white South Africans are being persecuted.

Trump has made controversial moves in response to these claims, including offering refugee status to Afrikaners and cutting off certain aid packages to South Africa. However, the South African government has firmly rejected the allegations as false and inflammatory.

Ramaphosa confirmed that discussions with Trump are imminent, with both leaders agreeing to meet soon. “We both agreed to meet to address various matters regarding US-South Africa relations,” he announced.

The meeting is seen as a vital opportunity to mend frayed diplomatic ties, clarify South Africa’s policies on land reform, and ease mounting economic tensions caused by U.S. tariffs.

While South Africa has repeatedly assured international observers that its land reform strategy does not involve mass expropriation without compensation, the persistence of misinformation has harmed the country’s reputation and trade prospects.

Steenhuisen urged citizens and political leaders to approach the next few months strategically, especially with Trump’s tariffs threatening jobs and economic stability. “We need to use this 90-day window very wisely and cleverly,” he said.

With South Africa’s global image and economic future at stake, all eyes are now on the upcoming Ramaphosa-Trump talks — a moment both symbolic and practical in reshaping a relationship marred by miscommunication and mistrust.

{Source: IOL}

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