Potential silver-lining of South African leader's public feud in Washington

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Washington earlier this week aiming to reset relations with the Trump administration after a prolonged period of friction. Instead, he encountered intense, public diplomacy marked by confrontational remarks from Donald Trump. While Ramaphosa was commended for his calm and conciliatory approach, some critics felt he failed to respond firmly enough. While he faces a host of domestic challenges and a fragile coalition government under growing strain at home, the recent public dispute could yield a positive outcome for the African leader.

Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC), forced into a coalition with 10 other parties after underperforming in national elections, is grappling with internal discord. Conflicts over contentious land reform proposals, healthcare policy, and a controversial budget that targets vulnerable taxpayers have threatened the coalition’s stability, according to an article by BBC.

Meanwhile, the country struggles with stagnant economic growth, soaring crime and corruption, failing public services, and deteriorating infrastructure—further fuelling criticism of Ramaphosa’s leadership from across the political spectrum and civil society.

Prominent opposition figures, such as Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and former President Jacob Zuma, have intensified their criticism. Malema was even featured in a widely debunked dossier Trump referenced, alleging that white South Africans were victims of genocide—allegations that took center stage in Trump’s meeting with Ramaphosa. The South African president had hoped to prioritize securing a trade deal, especially with the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) uncertain under Trump’s isolationist approach. Agoa, which allows duty-free access to US markets for specific South African goods, has played a key role in propping up the country’s fragile economy.

Despite the clash, Ramaphosa could emerge stronger domestically. Although the ANC is weaker than at any point since it first came to power in 1994, it remains in control, even if now within a coalition. Ramaphosa’s composed performance on the global stage reminded South Africans of his diplomatic credentials and experience managing crises.

He was a central figure in dismantling apartheid and maintaining national unity during periods many believed would fracture the country. More recently, he led South Africa through the Zuma-era corruption scandal, steered it during the COVID-19 crisis, and kept the ANC together after a tough 2024 election, despite opposition from within the party.

“Ramaphosa thrives under pressure,” Verashni Pillay, editor and founder of explain.co.za. told the publication. “He has years of experience negotiating in high-stakes environments, often under the threat of violence. His ability to stay composed and defuse tension was on full display.”

By Nazrin Sadigova