South Africa plans delegation to US for trade talks amid strained ties

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed a desire to negotiate a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve ongoing disputes over land policy and other diplomatic issues. Following Trump's executive order cutting U.S. financial assistance due to South Africa's land reform approach and its stance on a genocide case against Israel, Ramaphosa indicated that he aims to mend relations through a meaningful agreement. He emphasized that the South African delegation would not seek to merely explain their position but to engage in substantive discussions covering trade and political matters. The strained relationship has been exacerbated by Trump's criticism of land expropriation laws aimed at addressing historical inequalities in land ownership. Despite the tensions, Ramaphosa remains hopeful for a cooperative future, highlighting the importance of U.S.-South Africa relations as the U.S. is a significant trading partner. The upcoming G20 presidency for South Africa further underscores the need for improved diplomatic ties.