By Zukile Majova
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has handed over the reins to Minister Gwede Mantashe while he visits the United States.
- The US has cut over R8-billion in HIV/Aids funding and may hit South African exports with heavy tariffs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has put Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, in charge while he leads a government delegation to the United States.
Ramaphosa is expected to meet US President Donald Trump this week to try to fix the tense relationship between the two countries.
The US government believes South Africa is targeting white citizens, including Afrikaner farmers, and may seize land. As a result, the Trump administration has slashed more than R8-billion in HIV/Aids funding and is threatening to impose a 31% tariff on South African goods.
Mantashe, also known as “The Tiger”, is the most senior member of the Cabinet left in the country. He also serves as the chairperson of the ANC.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also overseas. He is on a working trip to France, following Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, who met French officials earlier this month to discuss political ties.
France is South Africa’s 14th-largest investor. More than 400 French companies are active in the country in sectors like banking, clean energy, and rail transport.
“Since the first Presidential Investment Conference hosted in 2018, French companies have committed more than R70-billion, with the majority of projects either completed or being implemented,” said the government.
Mashatile is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit.
He is joined by several ministers, including Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.
Others abroad include Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, and Deputy Ministers Alvin Botes, Bhuti Manamela, Z Godlimpi, and Samantha Graham-Mare.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is in the United Kingdom attending the 2025 Education World Forum.
“This is particularly relevant for us as the conference will be exploring issues like strengthening early child learning, innovative financing in education, and the role of tech and AI in the classroom,” said Gwarube.
Pictured above: Gwede Mantashe
Image source: @MYANC
