President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected the classification of a group of white South Africans as refugees, following their resettlement to the United States under a programme backed by President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a presidential panel during the 2025 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Ramaphosa responded to a question from CNN journalist Larry Madowo regarding the 49 individuals who recently departed South Africa for the US, where they are expected to be received as political refugees.
Do not meet the criteria
Ramaphosa said the individuals in question do not meet the internationally accepted criteria for refugee status.
“A refugee is someone who has to leave their country out of fear of political, religious or economic persecution – and they don’t fit that bill,” said Ramaphosa.
“They are leaving ostensibly because they don’t want to embrace the changes that are taking place in our country, in accordance with our Constitution.”
Ramaphosa disclosed that he had a direct phone call with Donald Trump to raise concerns about the narrative being presented by some South Africans opposed to democratic transformation.
“I told [President Trump] what he had been told by those people opposed to transformation in South Africa is not true.
“We were well taught by Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo to build a united nation out of diverse groupings,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa is unique on the African continent in that it integrated colonial settlers into its democratic society instead of expelling them after apartheid ended.
“We are the only country on the continent where the colonisers came to stay, and we have never driven them out of our country,” he stated.
Apparent misunderstanding
He emphasised South Africa’s commitment to transformation and inclusivity, reinforcing that the country’s efforts are rooted in constitutional democracy and national unity.
While the President acknowledged the apparent misunderstanding on the part of the US government, he expressed hope for ongoing dialogue.
“We think the American government has got the wrong end of the stick here, but we’ll continue talking to them,” Ramaphosa said.
When asked whether South Afric-born entrepreneur Elon Musk would participate in the anticipated face-to-face discussions with the Trump administration, Ramaphosa said that decision would rest with the Americans.
“I don’t know. They will determine whether Elon Musk is part of it or not. I will go with my own South African delegation,” he responded.
President Ramaphosa is attending the Africa CEO Forum alongside key cabinet members, including Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The forum serves as a premier platform for engagement between business leaders, investors, heads of state, and policymakers across the continent.
Do you honestly believe Donald Trump cares what Cyril Ramaphosa has to say?
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