South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) speaks alongside Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (L) and Chairperson of the African Union Joao Lourenco (R) during the G20 Leaders’ Summit plenary session at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg on 22 November 2025. Picture: Thomas Mukoya / POOL / AFP South Africa has never shied away from the global spotlight. From political news and high-profile arrests to sporting triumphs and entertaining dance moves, Mzansi continues to draw the world’s attention.
Something, an analyst tellsThe Citizen, affects our global image. While some of these moments inspire pride, others spark concern. Has South Africa’s image on the world stage remained resilient, or has it begun to fracture under the weight of its controversies?
We look back at five moments that made international headlines in 2025. In what has been described as a “sudden” shift by former president Thabo Mbeki, US President Donald Trump has made it clear South Africa is no longer in his good books. In February, Trump signed an executive order to cut funding for South Africa.
Read Full Article on The Citizen
[paywall]
This was amid false claims of white genocide and the signing of theExpropriation Act. Trump accused South Africa of “doing very bad things” and human rights violations. In May, President Cyril Ramaphosa embarked on a working visit to the USA from 19 to 22 May 2025.
Ramaphosa met with Trump at the White House to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest. The meeting did not go particularly well, as Trump ambushed Ramaphosa with “evidence” of white genocide in South Africa. The meeting made international headlines, as publications fact-checked Trump’s false claims.
[/paywall]
