President Cyril Ramaphosa's engagement with United States President Donald Trump is expected to get underway at 5:30pm South African time - starting with a welcome of the visiting President at the Oval Office. 

The Oval Office is the official workspace used exclusively by the President of the U.S. in Washington, D.C.

The two leaders aim to rebuild and strengthen their relations amid ongoing tensions, including the recent resettlement of white Afrikaners in America.

According to The Presidency of SA,  President Trump is set to welcome South Africa’s Head of State at 5:30pm. This will be followed by President Ramaphosa signing the visitors’ book at 5:35pm.

At 5:45pm, the two leaders will participate in a working lunch, leading to their bilateral meeting scheduled for 6:45pm, which will include an opportunity for media interaction.

President Ramaphosa is expected to depart from the White House at 6:30pm.

Ahead of the meeting this afternoon, the President attended the 2025 Budget Speech virtually.

The South African delegation to Washington D.C. consists of several Cabinet Ministers, notable business figures, and prominent South Africans.

Included in the delegation are Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel, and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

President Ramaphosa has leveraged President Trump’s passion for golf by inviting South African pro golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen to join the trip.

In addition, the President will be accompanied by Johann Rupert, the Founder of Richemont and Chairman of Remgro.

The delegation also includes Vice President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Adrian Gore and President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Zingiswa Losi. 

They are currently in Washington, D.C. to offer strategic support to President Ramaphosa and the South African delegation.

Meanwhile, President Trump will be flanked by several key officials during his event. 

These include Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Special Government Employee Elon Musk, and Dr Massad Boulos, who serves as a Senior Advisor for Africa as well as on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs.

reported this morning that discussions will focus on revitalising bilateral relations, rethinking economic cooperation, and exploring new trade and investment opportunities that align with South Africa’s development goals. 

President Ramaphosa arrived in the United States on Monday, landing at Andrews Air Force Base to a warm reception.  

A red carpet was laid out, and ceremonial guards held the South African and United States flags as he was escorted to his motorcade, signaling the start of his visit with the honours fitting for a Head of State.

Upon his arrival at the hotel, he was greeted by the South African delegation and members of the media.

Since then, he has been engaging with his Ministers, including Mcebisi Jonas, the Special Envoy to the United States and the official representative of the President and the South African government.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the President appeared cheerful and optimistic. 

He expressed that he was “ready and hopeful” for productive discussions at the Oval Office.

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