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President Cyril Ramaphosa has described his meeting with US president Donald Trump as ‘a very good meeting’ – but back home, not everyone is convinced.

Following the high-level and heated talks in Washington yesterday, Ramaphosa said the meeting had been ‘frank and forward-looking’, telling reporters: ‘We believe this will open a new chapter that advances our mutual interests in trade, security and development.’ (News24).

He added, ‘I found President Trump to be respectful and interested in deepening relations with South Africa.’ (eNCA).

But the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called the engagement ‘a disgrace’ and plan to stage a protest outside the US Consulate in Cape Town this coming Monday, 26 May. The party issued a blistering statement accusing Ramaphosa of bowing to Western interests, saying, ‘Ramaphosa’s conduct was an embarrassment to South Africans who value dignity and independence.’ (TimesLIVE).

EFF leader Julius Malema echoed this sentiment at a press briefing, saying, ‘Trump represents everything we reject. For Ramaphosa to smile and shake hands like that shows who he truly serves.’ (TimesLIVE).

Analysts are split on the political fallout. Some frame the meeting as a diplomatic necessity amid tense US–Africa relations, while others warn it risks alienating South Africa from the Global South at a critical time.

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Picture: Reuters

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