President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has firmly addressed concerns about the country’s diplomatic standing with the United States, insisting that South Africa is too significant to be ignored by its second-largest trading partner. Speaking at the Bana Pele 2023 Roadmap Leadership Summit in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa rejected the idea that South Africa was being “blue-ticked” by the US, a term used to describe being ignored or sidelined, particularly in digital communication.
“We’re not being blue-ticked. We are engaging. A blue-ticking means, as I understand it, used by young people, that we are being ignored. We are not being ignored,” the South African president asserted. This statement came in response to questions regarding South Africa’s efforts to secure meetings with the Trump administration to clarify the nation’s policy positions, particularly on contentious matters such as the Expropriation Act, which has been a source of tension.
The issue of South Africa being “blue-ticked” by the United States gained traction after reports surfaced that the South African government had faced challenges in securing meetings with US officials to discuss various concerns, including trade and land reform policies. The Expropriation Act, which seeks to allow for land expropriation without compensation, has been a contentious issue in both domestic and international circles. The law has raised concerns among investors and international partners, including the US, which has expressed discomfort over the potential impact on property rights and foreign investments in South Africa.
Despite these tensions, President Ramaphosa remained optimistic about the future of South Africa’s relationship with the US, stressing the importance of continued diplomatic engagement. He emphasized that while challenges exist, progress is being made at the diplomatic level, particularly through the efforts of South Africa’s ambassador in Washington, DC, who has been working tirelessly to clarify South Africa’s stance and resolve any misunderstandings.
In his address, President Ramaphosa pointed out that one of the key reasons for the strained diplomatic situation was the spread of misinformation about South Africa’s policies. He specifically mentioned the Expropriation Act, which has been misrepresented in some international circles, leading to misunderstandings about South Africa’s intentions regarding land reform.
“Part of the problem has been misinformation,” Ramaphosa stated. “We are working to correct the narrative and ensure that our partners, particularly the US, understand the true intent behind our policies. We want to make it clear that our actions are driven by the need for equitable land distribution and redress for historical injustices.”
The Expropriation Act, a key component of the African National Congress (ANC) government’s land reform agenda, has been at the center of much debate since its introduction. Critics, including international stakeholders and some South African business groups, have raised concerns that the Act could undermine property rights, deter investment, and lead to economic instability. On the other hand, supporters argue that the Act is a necessary step to address the longstanding issue of land inequality in South Africa, where the legacy of apartheid has left a significant portion of the land in the hands of a few, while the majority of black South Africans remain landless.
In his speech, Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa’s relationship with the United States is far too important to be ignored. The US is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, and the economic ties between the two countries are vital for the continued growth and development of the South African economy. South Africa is a key player in Africa’s economic and political landscape, and its partnership with the US encompasses a wide range of areas, including trade, security, and global diplomacy.
“We are such an important player to the United States of America, as they are an important player to South Africa, politically, from a trade perspective, and from numerous other points of view,” Ramaphosa explained. He emphasized that the two nations have a long history of cooperation, and despite any current challenges, both countries stand to benefit from a robust, mutually beneficial relationship.
South Africa’s trade with the United States spans various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. The US is also one of South Africa’s largest foreign investors, contributing to the growth of the country’s economy and creating jobs for South African citizens. Therefore, any disruption in the relationship could have significant economic consequences for both nations.
Despite the diplomatic hiccups, Ramaphosa made it clear that South Africa is not giving up on its efforts to engage with the US. He pointed out that both South Africa and the US have communicated their positions and that discussions are ongoing. According to the president, while there have been challenges in securing high-level meetings, progress is being made at the diplomatic level to ensure that the two countries continue to work together on shared global priorities.
“We are continuing to engage with them, and a great deal of progress has been made by our ambassador in straightening out the path to ensure that there is meaningful engagement at the diplomatic level,” Ramaphosa said. “This is a hiccup, but it is one that we are working on straightening out.”
Ramaphosa’s comments come at a time when South Africa is facing increasing pressure to balance its foreign policy priorities between the West, led by the United States, and other global powers, including China and Russia. South Africa, as a member of the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), has been positioning itself as a voice for the Global South, advocating for a fairer international order.
South Africa’s diplomatic strategy has at times placed it at odds with Western powers, particularly on issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the US and its allies have strongly supported Ukraine in its war with Russia, South Africa has taken a neutral stance, calling for dialogue and negotiations rather than military intervention. This position has raised concerns in Washington, DC, leading to some friction in the relationship between the two countries.
Despite these challenges, President Ramaphosa’s comments underscore the importance of diplomacy in maintaining strong bilateral relations. South Africa’s political and economic influence on the continent and its strategic position in global affairs mean that its relationship with the United States will remain a crucial aspect of its foreign policy.
“We cannot be blue-ticked,” Ramaphosa concluded. “We will continue to send a message and ensure that there is no misunderstanding between us and our important partners.”
In the coming months, it will be critical for South Africa to continue engaging with the US to address misunderstandings, clarify its policies, and ensure that its position as a key player on the global stage is recognized and respected. With both nations benefiting from a strong partnership, South Africa will likely continue to play an important role in shaping the future of international relations.
