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n a significant meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed land reform and the safety of white farmers in South Africa, shortly after 49 white South Africans were granted refugee status in the U.S. Afrikaner activist Ernst Roets supported the dialogue, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by South Africa.

Reactions in South Africa were mixed; some citizens praised the conversation as addressing pressing issues, while others warned it oversimplified complex national matters. Critics pointed out high crime rates and unemployment, which disproportionately affect Black communities.

President Ramaphosa defended his government’s land reform approach, emphasizing its alignment with the Constitution. He also stressed the importance of strong trade relations with the U.S., especially with a potential 30% tariff on South African exports looming.

As a gesture of diplomacy, Ramaphosa gifted Trump a coffee table book on South Africa’s golf courses and brought two local legends to charm the U.S. leader. Political analyst Ricky Mukonza remarked that crime affects all races in South Africa, which faces a 32% unemployment rate, particularly impacting Black citizens. The complexities of these issues should not be overlooked.

The South African delegation included prominent figures like John Steenhuisen, who recognized security concerns but downplayed fears of a mass exodus, stating, “The majority of our farmers want to stay and make it work.” Trump also referenced the controversial “Shoot the Boer” chant, noting its classification by South African courts as a symbolic political expression rather than a literal threat.

For analysis, Ndiho Media spoke to Ricky Mukonza, a political analyst and professor at Tshwane University of Technology.