Payam Javan: On Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House as tensions between the two nations hit an all-time low. South Africa’s alignment with U.S. adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran, coupled with Trump’s accusations of racial persecution against white Afrikaners, has fueled animosity. Ramaphosa aims to debunk claims of “white genocide” and push for a new trade deal, potentially offering the U.S. greater access to South Africa’s critical minerals.

The meeting, brokered by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, follows Trump’s executive order halting $440 million in aid to South Africa, citing its “unjust” practices, including alleged property seizures from Afrikaners. South Africa has dismissed these claims as factually inaccurate, emphasizing its history of overcoming apartheid. Despite deep differences, experts like Susan Booysen and Steven Friedman highlight Ramaphosa’s diplomatic skill as key to potentially mending ties. However, with South Africa maintaining its global alliances and policies, a pragmatic but uneasy outcome is the best hope for this high-stakes encounter.