Ramaphosa returns to the US

President Cyril Ramaphosa has returned to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

Some experts say that the event will pit him against US President Donald Trump on divisive issues, with the threat further straining an already-fragile relationship.

A statement from the Presidency said that Ramaphosa will engage with world leaders on urgent international issues, like the wars in Gaza, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine. 

Ramaphosa said that the leaders will be discussing the conflict in Palestine on 23 September, as multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, have moved to recognise Palestine as an independent, sovereign state. 

Ramaphosa is expected to reinforce South Africa’s position in supporting these calls. Upon arriving in New York, the South African president said that “it’s wonderful to see so many countries surging forward to recognise the state of Palestine.”

International Relations Analyst Ayesha Kajee said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika that this could further strain the South Africa-US relationship. 

“The US, for the sixth time in two years, has vetoed a motion to sanction Israel,” she said. 

This follows global pressure to do so after the United Nations panel said that the conflict can be considered a genocide, following cases brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

Trump has long said that any agreement would be conditional to the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th.

Trump and his allies have long been critical of South Africa’s stance on Israel. Trump allies like Republican Louisiana Senator John Kennedy have called for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations.

He cites South Africa’s alleged alignment with “US adversaries, support for Hamas and several antisemitic actions following the October 7 terror attacks.”

This follows a similar measure in the House of Representatives introduced by Texas Republican Ronnie Jackson.

The US president has recently announced renewed support for Israel, with plans to sell nearly $6 billion in weapons to the country over the next few years.

According to reports, Trump will not be attending a two-state solution conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on 22 September.

France’s president Emmanuel Macron will likely announce his support for recognising Palestine as an independent state at this conference.

US officials have argued that this support will undermine negotiations in the region.

“It emboldens Hamas, and we think it undermines future prospects of peace in the region. We thought it was unwise to do that,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The Presidency said that “South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.”

Ramaphosa turns to the US private sector

Kajee added that Trump is expected to face further backlash from NATO member states over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Russia has been flying its drones and aircraft through NATO-member states’ airspace. 

Ramaphosa will also be attempting to improve trade relations with the US, following Trump’s implementation of a 30% tariff on all South African exports from August 2025. 

Rather than negotiating with the US president, the president said he will be “engaging with the private sector on the margins of UNGA” during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue. 

The dialogue will be hosted by the South African Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition in collaboration with the US Chamber of Commerce. 

“The president will also meet with several leading US companies as part of the investment drive,” the Presidency said. 

It was added that these private sector engagements are urgent, as the US has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among South Africa’s top five export destinations and accounting for 7.5% of all exports. 

Further bilateral talks with other heads of state will also be taking place during the week, according to the presidency. 

Additionally, the president will attend a high-level event on climate change to drive action in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities on mitigation, adaptation, finances, and information integrity.