President Ramaphosa heads to Washington for talks with President Trump on Wednesday. Their meeting aims to fix broken ties between the countries. The US cut aid to South Africa in February. Trump recently gave refugee status to white South Africans claiming racial problems. South African officials deny these claims exist.
The South African leader plans to discuss deals for Elon Musk's companies during his visit. One idea is to give Tesla better import rates if the company builds charging stations. Another topic covers licensing for Musk's satellite internet firm, Starlink. Musk once falsely said South Africa blocked his company because he is not Black. The country requires foreign telecom firms to sell 30 percent ownership to historically disadvantaged groups.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen joined the group traveling to America on Monday. He hopes to keep trade benefits for South African farmers. Farm products currently enter the US markets without taxes. Losing these benefits would hurt farmers across South Africa. The American president has created new tariffs that threaten these advantages.
The South African leader plans to discuss deals for Elon Musk's companies during his visit. One idea is to give Tesla better import rates if the company builds charging stations. Another topic covers licensing for Musk's satellite internet firm, Starlink. Musk once falsely said South Africa blocked his company because he is not Black. The country requires foreign telecom firms to sell 30 percent ownership to historically disadvantaged groups.
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen joined the group traveling to America on Monday. He hopes to keep trade benefits for South African farmers. Farm products currently enter the US markets without taxes. Losing these benefits would hurt farmers across South Africa. The American president has created new tariffs that threaten these advantages.
