Ramaphosa enjoyed a brief wave of sympathy after his White House ambush but he is a problematic leader, writes Sizwe Mpofu Walsh.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Washington on May 21, 2025, with his delegation, seeking a diplomatic reset and a fresh start after months of strained relations with the President Donald Trump administration.

Mr Ramaphosa kept his cool. But the episode underlined Donald Trump’s warped views of South Africa—and how hard it will be to change them. The Trump administration has cut aid to Africa’s largest economy and seems set to cancel the preferential trade terms enjoyed by South Africa (and many other countries in the continent).