In a contentious Oval Office meeting, President Cyril Ramaphosa challenges President Donald Trump’s assertions of a ‘white genocide’ in South Africa, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to combating crime across all communities.
In a highly charged meeting at the White House on May 21, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confronted U.S. President Donald Trump over allegations of a so-called “white genocide” targeting white farmers in South Africa.
The discussion, attended by South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, centered on the U.S.’s recent decision to grant refugee status to 59 white Afrikaners, a move that has strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, President Trump presented a video depicting alleged violence against white South Africans, including images of burial sites of white farmers.
He asserted that there are “thousands of stories” and “documentaries” supporting these claims.
President Ramaphosa responded by emphasizing that such narratives do not reflect the policies or realities of South Africa.
He stated, “It will take President Trump listening to the voices of South Africans, some of whom are his good friends, like those who are here.” Ramaphosa was accompanied by South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, aiming to foster goodwill.
Members of the South African delegation highlighted that crime in South Africa affects all communities, not just white farmers, and that the government is committed to addressing violence across the board.
The meeting underscores the complexities of U.S.-South Africa relations and the challenges of navigating sensitive topics on the international stage.
