Ramaphosa : South Africa want to enrich America

Ramaphosa Urges Diplomacy While America Tightens Its Grip – But South Africans Are Running Out of Patience

By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News

President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to growing US hostility with calm diplomacy, expressing hope that "discussions will be ongoing" and that the South Africa–US relationship can still be "enriched." But on the streets and across social media platforms, ordinary South Africans are not buying it — and many are asking whether the president is bending too far backwards in the name of diplomacy.

The recent passage of the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act by the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs has sent shockwaves through South African political circles. Tabled by Republican Representative Ronny Jackson, the bill sets in motion a process that could see sanctions imposed on ANC leaders allegedly aligned with "America’s adversaries" — namely China, Russia, and Iran. It also allows for a sweeping review of bilateral relations.

To many observers, this escalation is nothing short of bullying.

From Trade to Tariffs: A Rapid Deterioration

In a letter sent earlier this month, US President Donald Trump — now in his second term — announced a 30% tariff on all South African goods entering the United States, effective August 1st. His justification? A supposed “persistent trade deficit.” But according to President Ramaphosa, this claim is rooted in a distorted interpretation of trade data.

That tariff comes after a series of diplomatic slights. The United States rejected South Africa’s appointment of Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy, expelled former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool over critical comments, and accused the ANC government of anti-white racism — all while launching a resettlement programme for white South African farmers.

Now, ANC officials face the looming threat of individual sanctions under legislation that paints South Africa as a nation aligned with terrorists and authoritarian states — despite the fact that South Africa has every right to pursue its own diplomatic and trade interests on the global stage.

Ramaphosa’s Response: Statesmanship or Submission?

Speaking from the BMW plant in Rosslyn, Ramaphosa struck a diplomatic tone. “Our bilateral dealings with the United States will continue… we want to enrich them and make them better,” he said.

While diplomacy is often a virtue, many South Africans are growing uncomfortable with what they perceive as unreciprocated deference to an increasingly aggressive United States. For some, Ramaphosa’s hopeful rhetoric feels out of touch, especially as South Africans grapple with deep corruption, load-shedding, crumbling public infrastructure — and now the threat of economic isolation from a global superpower.

“It’s not that we want the president to start wars,” said one Johannesburg resident on X (formerly Twitter), “but why is he always playing nice while Trump continues to insult us, block our envoys, and punish our economy?”

Another user wrote, “We know our leaders are corrupt, but we should be dealing with that ourselves. The US isn’t acting like a friend — it’s acting like a bully.”

A Sovereign Nation, Not a Subordinate State

At its core, the public’s frustration seems to stem not from a desire to escalate conflict, but from a yearning for dignity and sovereignty. South Africa, despite its internal challenges, is a sovereign state. Its foreign policy should be dictated by its national interests — not by fear of sanctions or attempts to appease a hostile ally.

It’s not hard to see why many citizens view the president’s unwavering optimism as excessive. Words like “enrich” and “positive” may sound diplomatic in a press briefing, but on the ground, they come across as tone-deaf — especially when paired with US tariffs, rejected ambassadors, and a legislature openly targeting ANC officials.

The time has come for South Africa to defend its diplomatic standing with clarity and confidence — not submission. Respectful engagement must remain a cornerstone of international relations, but so must self-respect.

In the end, diplomacy works best when it is mutual. South Africans are watching, waiting, and wondering: will their president eventually stand firm — or will America continue to call the shots unchallenged?

Do you believe South Africa should retaliate diplomatically or continue seeking common ground? Share your thoughts in the comments on our WhatsApp Channel and Instagram stories @InsightJoziNews.