The Monocle Daily

South Africa and the US look to reset relations

6 snips
May 21, 2025
Guests Robin Brandt, a former BBC China correspondent, historian Alex von Tunzelman, and Simon Bouvier from Monocle delve into the evolving diplomatic relations between South Africa and the U.S. They discuss President Cyril Ramaphosa's golf diplomacy with Donald Trump and the underlying political tensions, including issues of legitimacy in leadership and misconceptions about violence in South Africa. The conversation also touches on the influence of diplomacy in non-traditional settings, like sports, and the complexities within their international relations.
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ANECDOTE

Ramaphosa's Dignified Trump Meeting

  • President Cyril Ramaphosa showed dignity during a tense Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump.
  • Trump played controversial videos, but Ramaphosa maintained composure and responded with a strategic zinger about planes.
INSIGHT

Debunking South African Genocide Claims

  • The claim of genocide against white South African farmers is false and not supported by murder statistics.
  • White farmers own much of the land and constitute a small minority, making such claims an exaggeration.
INSIGHT

EU Targets Cheap Imports With Fee

  • The EU plans a €2 charge on parcels under €150 to offset customs workload.
  • This measure targets cheap Chinese imports, impacting fast fashion and online marketplaces significantly.
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