South African President Cyril Ramaphosa entered the White House this week with hopes of economic renewal and a reset in U.S. relations. Instead, he was hit with a highly publicized and confrontational Oval Office encounter with Donald Trump, centered on debunked claims about the persecution of white South Africans.
But while the moment was diplomatically bruising, back home it may have bolstered Ramaphosa’s standing.
Ramaphosa’s composed demeanor during Trump’s orchestrated attack stood in stark contrast to the U.S. president’s inflammatory rhetoric. For many South Africans, it was a reminder of the president’s deep negotiation experience the same skillset that once helped steer the country through apartheid and into democracy.
Political Firestorm at Home
The visit came as Ramaphosa and his African National Congress (ANC) navigate an increasingly fragile Government of National Unity (GNU) formed after a disappointing electoral showing. This coalition with 10 other parties has been plagued by infighting over land reform, healthcare, and tax legislation nearly collapsing earlier this year.
South Africa’s economy remains stagnant, with rampant crime, corruption, and unemployment. Infrastructure is crumbling and public services falter. All of this places intense pressure on Ramaphosa, who faces criticism from both opposition parties and civil society over his perceived inaction.
ANC at a Crossroads
The ANC is facing internal strife ahead of its critical 2027 elective conference, with factions beginning to maneuver for control. At the same time, opposition voices such as the EFF’s Julius Malema and former President Jacob Zuma are gaining traction especially after Trump showcased Malema singing the controversial “Shoot the Boer” song during their meeting.
Despite the distraction, Ramaphosa had come seeking support for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade deal vital to South Africa’s economy. Trump’s focus on racialized disinformation overshadowed those talks.
A Showcase of Unity
Yet, political analysts argue the optics played to Ramaphosa’s favor. White South African figures like Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen and billionaire Johann Rupert publicly countered Trump’s claims, presenting a rare moment of unified national representation.
“The GNU looked strong,” said analyst Verashni Pillay. “The performance was well orchestrated, and Ramaphosa’s calm under fire gave South Africans confidence.”
Rupert and Steenhuisen’s presence also underscored the GNU’s inclusive image a key narrative for Ramaphosa, especially with white voters and business leaders. This “public-private unity” could enhance domestic legitimacy and international credibility.
Dividing the Extremes
For the far-left EFF and the populist MK party, Trump’s spotlight may offer short-term attention, but analysts say it’s unlikely to translate into electoral gains. “Malema’s politics of destruction may excite some, but it hasn’t delivered votes,” said Pillay.
Afriforum, the Afrikaner nationalist group that helped push the narrative Trump embraced, is also under scrutiny. Many South Africans across racial lines view their tactics as divisive and damaging.
The Ramaphosa Effect
Despite frustrations with his slow reform pace, Ramaphosa’s steadiness continues to resonate. Surveys suggest that without him, ANC support would plummet even further. His experience as a negotiator and stabilizer — through apartheid’s end, Zuma’s “state capture” years, COVID, and now coalition governance has cemented his role as a political anchor.
“This was not the economic breakthrough he wanted,” said Prof. Kagiso Pooe of Wits University. “But it may mark a political turning point. It reminded South Africans what Ramaphosa represents continuity, calm, and credibility.”
As Trump’s Oval Office theatrics fade, Ramaphosa returns to face domestic turmoil. But he does so with renewed political capital and a strengthened coalition image an ironic silver lining to what could have been a diplomatic disaster.