Will Ramaphosa meet Elon Musk during US visit?
Speculation is mounting about a potential meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and South African-born tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Washington DC on Monday, smiling and waving to the media before heading to his hotel, as he kicked off a high-level Working Visit focused on resetting and strengthening South Africa’s bilateral ties with the United States.
The visit will culminate on Wednesday with a meeting between President Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
The meeting will likely centre on boosting collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and diplomatic relations.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya described the visit as a “significant step” in reshaping the bilateral economic and political relationship between the two nations.
Focus on trade and AGOA
Magwenya highlighted that the discussions will prioritise trade, with a strong focus on the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AGOA allows duty-free access for selected sub-Saharan African exports to the US, but recent tariff hikes by the Trump administration, such as a 31% increase on South African goods, have cast uncertainty over its future.
“If the Trump administration has decided to do away with AGOA, we are ready to present a new framework for bilateral trade,” said Magwenya.
Addressing misconceptions and sensitive issues
The visit comes amid persistent US media narratives regarding the “persecution” of white South African farmers.
Magwenya dismissed such claims, asserting, “The whole world knows there is no persecution of any particular race in South Africa.”
He said the president will briefly address the matter, but will not let it overshadow the central goal of strengthening economic ties.
G20 and global diplomacy
Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit also comes during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
Questions were raised about the perceived absence of high-level US participation in recent ministerial meetings.
Magwenya clarified that the US remains engaged in the G20 Troika and confirmed that an invitation to President Trump for the upcoming summit remains open.
Ramaphosa’s confidence in engagement
When asked about possible apprehension over meeting President Trump, Magwenya responded: “No, he’s not apprehensive at all. There may be robust discussions, but that’s the nature of these engagements.”
He also noted that the president is prepared, confident, and focused on a productive and mutually respectful dialogue.
Will Ramaphosa meet Elon Musk?
Speculation over a possible meeting with South Africa-born tech entrepreneur Elon Musk was addressed, with Magwenya saying the president’s schedule is still being finalised and no such meeting has yet been confirmed.
“Well, we’ve just arrived. We’re going to be briefed by our team that advanced here, and so we will take direction from them in terms of what has been done, what has been prepared, and the allocations.”
High-level delegation accompanies Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa is accompanied by a high-powered ministerial delegation, including:
- Ronald Lamola (International Relations and Cooperation)
- Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (Minister in the Presidency)
- Parks Tau (Trade, Industry and Competition)
- John Steenhuisen (Agriculture)
- Mcebisi Jonas (Special Envoy to the USA)