TRUMP, CYRIL IN WHITE HOUSE SHOWDOWN

Trump's controversial claims overshadow Ramaphosa's efforts to reset US-South Africa relations

- AFP and REUTERS

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa was forced to fend off false claims of white genocide in South Africa when his US counterpart Donald Trump ambushed him with videos and articles to prove his narrative that white farmers were being targeted for their land.

The unexpected stunt turned the usually staid diplomatic setting of the Oval Office into a stage for Trump's contention that white South Africans are being persecuted.

With the media standing by and Ramaphosa at times unable to get a word in, Trump had staff put the video on a large screen, saying it showed black South Africans discussing genocide.

"They're white farmers, and they're fleeing South Africa, and it's a very sad thing to see. But I hope we can have an explanation of that, because I know you don't want that," Trump said.

While the South African delegation had gone to the meeting hoping not to discuss the matter, Ramaphosa repeatedly tried to speak but was drowned out. At one point, he pleaded that they "talk about it very calmly.”