• South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet President Trump in Washington next week.
• The meeting aims to "reset" relations between the US and South Africa amidst rising tensions.
• Recent US policy allowing refugee status for white Afrikaners has escalated diplomatic strains.
• Trump's claims of persecution against Afrikaners have been strongly refuted by South Africa's government.
• The visit will discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, largely fueled by Trump's recent invitation to white Afrikaners to seek refugee status in the US, citing alleged persecution in South Africa. The meeting is intended to "reset" and strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries, according to official statements from Pretoria, as reported by Al Jazeera, Africa News, and NPR.

The escalating diplomatic feud has roots in various US criticisms of South Africa's policies, including its handling of land reform and relations with Israel. Recently, the US welcomed a group of 59 Afrikaners as refugees, a move that South Africa vehemently contests, asserting claims of "genocide" against them as politically motivated fabrications. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasized, "There’s no genocide here. We are beautiful, happy people," highlighting the peaceful coexistence among racial groups in South Africa, according to AllAfrica and South China Morning Post.

During the upcoming discussions, President Ramaphosa is expected to clarify South Africa's position on these claims, which he previously discussed with Trump over the phone. The South African government argues that the number of farm murders is not racially motivated and is part of a broader issue of violent crime, contrary to Trump's narrative. The bilateral meeting is anticipated to cover a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues that concern both nations, as stated by his office and reported by Africa News and South China Morning Post.

Trade relations between the two nations are also likely to feature in the discussions; the US is South Africa's second-largest trading partner, a relationship currently under strain due to recent tariffs announced by Trump. Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa's government remains committed to fostering dialogue and understanding, aiming to bridge the significant gaps that have developed during Trump's administration, according to AllAfrica and NPR.