2025-05-21T17:01:21Z

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In a surprising turn of events during a meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump shared a video with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which aimed to bolster unfounded claims of a white "genocide" occurring in South Africa. This unexpected display raised eyebrows among those present, including members of the media gathered in the Oval Office.

As the meeting commenced, President Trump instructed his staff to project a video on a screen inside the Oval Office. The video featured various clips showcasing Black South Africans discussing their sentiments regarding land ownership, accompanied by what Trump referred to as "burial sites." The intent behind this presentation was to underscore his claims of violence against white farmers in South Africa.

One notably controversial figure featured prominently in the video was Julius Malema, a firebrand lawmaker and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. Malema is known for his radical rhetoric and was filmed chanting the infamous phrase "Kill the Boer, kill the farmer," a slogan rooted in the historical struggles against apartheid and its oppressive regime. Although Malema's party garnered only about 10% of the vote last year, his vocal opposition and provocative statements have made him a significant figure in South African politics.

Throughout the 4.30-minute video, viewers were presented with clips of Malema making statements to his supporters that included calls to action such as "we are cutting the throat of whiteness" and advocating for aggressive measures by saying, "to shoot to kill." In a somewhat contradictory remark, Malema also stated in an archival clip, "We have not called for the killing of white people, at least for now," further complicating the interpretation of his words.

Additionally, the video included historical footage of former South African president Jacob Zuma singing an anti-apartheid song that ominously suggested violent repercussions for white individuals. The conclusion of the video depicted a protest where white crosses were planted along a rural roadside, symbolizing the alleged murders of farmers, which Trump used to further his claims of a dire situation for white South Africans.

Throughout the screening, President Ramaphosa remained calm, later expressing his disbelief at the content, stating, "I'd like to know where that is because this I've never seen." Trump's inquiry into the situation in South Africa was met with Ramaphosa's denial of any systematic confiscation of land from white farmers. When pressed by Trump about the issue, Ramaphosa firmly stated, "No, no, no, no. Nobody can take land." This exchange highlighted the tension surrounding land reform policies that have been a contentious issue in South Africa since the end of apartheid.

During their meeting, Trump characterized Ramaphosa as a figure who, although respected in some circles, is also seen as controversial. He remarked, "It's a great honour to be with the president of South Africa, President Ramaphosa, and he is a man who is certainly, in some circles, really respected, other circles a little bit less respected." These comments reflected the complex dynamics of US-South African relations, particularly under Trump's administration.

Ramaphosa, for his part, aimed to initiate a "reset" of US-South Africa relations, expressing gratitude to Trump for engaging in trade discussions. He emphasized the need to establish a more constructive relationship, declaring, "We are essentially here to reset the relationship between the United States and South Africa." This meeting was crucial for Ramaphosa, who sought to redirect US policies that have been critical of South Africa's recent land reform laws and the country’s position on various international issues.

Since Trump took office, he has taken a hard stance against South Africa, canceling aid, expelling its ambassador, and expressing support for white minority Afrikaners based on claims of racial discrimination and violence that the South African government contends are unfounded. The stakes are particularly high for South Africa, as the United States is its second-largest trading partner, following China. The reduction in US aid has already had tangible effects, such as a decline in HIV testing among patients in South Africa.

As Ramaphosa prepared for his meeting, he was accompanied by ministers, prominent business figures, and sports personalities, including luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert and renowned golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. On the US side, Vice President JD Vance and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who has been vocal about his criticisms of Ramaphosa's anti-white policies, were also present. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the tense relationship between the two countries, and both leaders recognized the necessity of dialogue and cooperation moving forward.