(Ecofin Agency) - • Donald Trump accuses South Africa of allowing violence against its white population
• Cyril Ramaphosa rejects the claim, stressing democracy, dialogue, and accountability
• South Africa calls for U.S. cooperation on crime-fighting tech and focuses on trade ties

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded calmly to harsh allegations made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused the South African government of allowing acts of genocide against the country’s white population. Ramaphosa, who currently holds the G20 presidency, chose a measured tone, acknowledging security concerns in rural areas but firmly denying any government tolerance of racial violence.

Trump made the accusation during a press briefing at the White House, where he showed videos that he claimed depicted violent acts in South Africa and cited news articles that referred to attacks on white citizens. His comments drew international attention and sparked controversy.

In response, Ramaphosa admitted that South Africa is struggling with rising crime rates, especially in rural regions. He said the country needs more police resources and a different strategy to improve safety. However, he made it clear that South Africa remains a multiparty democracy, where even minority opposition voices are respected, and their positions do not reflect official government policy.

Ramaphosa stated that his government’s stance iscompletely opposed" to the claims made by Trump and his team. He emphasized that there is no culture of impunity when it comes to crimes against white South Africans, and all criminal acts are subject to the law, regardless of the victim’s race.

Referencing Nelson Mandela, the former anti-apartheid leader who spent 27 years in prison for defending equal rights under a white-dominated regime, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of dialogue in addressing national challenges. He said that South Africa must continue to rely on peaceful discussion and cooperation to move forward, even in the face of difficult issues.

The South African president also took the opportunity to call for U.S. support in acquiring advanced surveillance systems to help fight crime and other forms of violence. At the same time, he shifted the focus to economic cooperation, seeking to strengthen trade ties amid growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria.

Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s role in the global supply of critical minerals, especially rare earth elements essential for defense and industrial technologies. South African officials reminded their American counterparts that South African companies are already investing in the United States and that ongoing negotiations aim to ease current diplomatic frictions.

South Africa also reaffirmed its global alliances, particularly its founding membership in BRICS, the economic bloc that includes China, India, and Russia. The group recently expanded to include countries like Saudi Arabia, further positioning itself as a major counterweight to U.S. influence in global affairs.