Thabo Mbeki Foundation's meeting with US Embassy raises concerns

THE recent meeting between Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) and the US Embassy could be a signal of disregard for President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet, with experts saying this is not a good sign for diplomatic clarity.

- MANYANE MANYANE

Last week Friday, the TMF announced on X that it had a meeting with a representative from the US Embassy to prepare for a visit from a delegation from the US.

"Today, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation met with a representative from the US Embassy in South Africa to prepare for a delegation from Washington DC that will be paying a courtesy visit to the Foundation next week," said the foundation.

The foundation's spokesperson Anga Jamela refused to comment and share details about the upcoming meeting.

However, it is believed that the two had discussions about critical issues of mutual interest, including strengthening US-Africa relations, matters of governance and democracy, and continental peace and security challenges likely touching on the conflict in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This also comes after the US imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports after President Donald Trump accused South Africa of engaging in racially motivated discrimination against white farmers through its land reform policies, which the US argues violates human rights.