South Africa Seeks US Investment to Combat Crime, Not ‘White Genocide’
Ramaphosa Delegation Clarifies South Africa’s Priorities in White House Meeting
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa led a high-profile delegation to the White House this week, emphasizing that South Africa faces a crime crisis rather than a “white genocide” as some have claimed. The discussions focused on securing US investment to help tackle the country’s security challenges.
Video credit to: Roland S. Martin
Crime Dominates Bilateral Talks
During Wednesday’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, the South African team stressed that crime affects all citizens, not just white Afrikaners. Prominent business leader Johann Rupert stated: “We have too many deaths, but it’s across the board – not only white farmers.”
The delegation, which included billionaire Johann Rupert, COSATU leader Zingiswa Losi, and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, strongly countered narratives about white genocide and land confiscation circulating in US political circles.
Technology and Economic Growth as Solutions
Rupert highlighted potential US assistance through technology transfers, particularly SpaceX’s Starlink system for police stations. He connected crime to broader economic challenges: “If we don’t get our economy to grow, the culture of dependency and lawlessness will increase.”
President Ramaphosa positioned trade and investment as central to solving South Africa’s crime problem: “Crime thrives where there is inequality and unemployment. Through growing the economy, we can create more jobs.”
Focus on Mutual Economic Benefits
The president emphasized that the visit aimed to restore relations and foster mutually beneficial partnerships, not seek handouts. “Trade and investment discussions are what brought us here,” Ramaphosa stated, underscoring the delegation’s focus on economic cooperation.
Losi pointed to the critical need for foreign direct investment, noting that over 40% of South Africans are unemployed. She also addressed border security concerns and clarified South Africa’s land reform policies: “There is a willing buyer, willing seller agreement. There is no expropriation without compensation.”
The meeting marked an important effort to correct misconceptions while advancing South Africa’s economic agenda through strengthened US ties.
Source: Times Live