President Cyril Ramaphosa visits the United States this week from 19 to 22 May. Included on his delegation is Agriculture Minister and leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen.
Ramaphosa will meet US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 21 May, at the White House. South Africa is expected to negotiate a comprehensive trade deal with the Trump administration.
The Presidency announced Ramaphosa’s trip last week. In a statement, Ramaphosa’s office described the visit as “a platform to reset the strategic relationship between the two countries”.
Ramaphosa visits the United States with Steenhuisen
The delegation will also discuss whether the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will be renewed. The act allows South Africa and other African countries advantageous access to the US market.
According to IOL, government insiders view Steenhuisen’s inclusion in Ramaphosa’s United States visit as strategic in two ways. Firstly, agriculture is the sector that does the most trade with the US.
Secondly, as a white government minister, insiders say Steenhuisen’s presence could also help debunk the myth of a so-called genocide against Afrikaners. Contention over the issue has complicated relations between South Africa and the US since Trump returned to the White House.
Steenhuisen ‘proud’ to join the delegation
In a statement issued via the Democratic Alliance, Steenhuisen said:
This delegation to Washington DC represents all South Africans, who have entrusted us to put the shared national interests, and desire for economic growth and job creation first, ahead of any party, or ideological positions.
As a proud member of this GNU delegation, I will endeavor to ensure every effort is made to mend, and improve relations between the US and SA.
What will Steenhuisen contribute as Ramaphosa visits United States?
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