Sky News Daily Targeted by Trump: Who is South African president Cyril Ramaphosa?
May 23, 2025
Richard Calland, a British-South African political analyst and author, dives into the multifaceted world of Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s president. He discusses Ramaphosa’s adept handling of recent allegations made by Donald Trump regarding white farmers. The conversation also touches on Ramaphosa's background as an anti-apartheid activist, his business ventures, and the ongoing political challenges he faces within a struggling party. Calland provides insight into Ramaphosa's aspirations amidst South Africa's complex socio-political landscape.
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Ramaphosa's Tactical Composure
- Cyril Ramaphosa remained composed during Trump's aggressive Oval Office ambush.
- His tactical discipline shows he aims for long-term relationship stability, not immediate confrontation.
Myth of Genocide Debunked
- Trump's claim of genocide against white South African farmers is false and racially motivated.
- Crime in South Africa affects all communities, making such accusations misleading and harmful.
Ramaphosa's Anti-Apartheid Roots
- Ramaphosa was a lawyer who challenged apartheid through courts and streets in the mid-1980s.
- He helped ensure South Africa’s largely peaceful transition of power in the 1990s.
