Ramaphosa's crucial US visit

Diplomatic push to reset relations

- MASHUDU SADIKE

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa is set to embark on a working visit to the United States next week with a high-powered South African delegation, where he will meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest.

The visit aims to reset the two countries' strategic relationship, which has become increasingly strained. The tensions have seen the US cut funding to South Africa's HIV/Aids programme earlier this year and it expelled former South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool in March, declaring him persona non grata for criticising Trump.

This week the country welcomed Afrikaner 'refugees. The US Department of State said that the vulnerable group was facing unjust racial discrimination in South Africa. A claim that Ramaphosa and his ministers have denied.

According to a source, the high-powered team is expected to include Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, other government officials, trade specialists, and representatives from the private sector.

Mcebisi Jonas, who was recently appointed special envoy to the US, is also said to be part of the delegation. Jonas is expected to play a key role in laying the groundwork for Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump.