South Africa is actively cultivating trade opportunities with the Trump administration despite escalating diplomatic friction following the recent expulsion of its ambassador from Washington.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed Thursday that President Cyril Ramaphosa remains committed to strengthening economic partnerships with the United States. “The president is keen that we explore opportunities to recalibrate South Africa-U.S. relations, particularly regarding trade expansion where substantial growth potential exists,” Magwenya stated.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has initiated a comprehensive review of tradable goods to identify promising sectors for collaboration. This strategic approach aims to position South Africa advantageously for future high-level engagements with American counterparts.
Diplomatic relations deteriorated recently when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata, citing alleged “race-baiting” and criticism of President Trump. Rasool received a Friday deadline to depart American soil.
The expulsion follows Trump’s February executive order terminating U.S. funding to South Africa, referencing “government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners,” specifically mentioning Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and French colonists.
Magwenya downplayed the significance of the ambassador’s removal, emphasizing that bilateral engagement continues through various governmental channels. “The absence of an ambassador in Washington doesn’t signify cessation of dialogue with the Trump administration,” he noted, adding that despite the U.S. having yet to appoint an ambassador to South Africa, diplomatic communications remain active through alternative mechanisms.
South African officials express confidence that pragmatic economic interests will ultimately prevail over temporary political differences.