South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to defuse a row with the new US administration over a new land law by speaking to Elon Musk. Mr Musk is a close adviser to US President Donald Trump,

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Elon Musk “on issues of misinformation and distortions about South Africa,” the presidency announced on Tuesday.

Trump’s comments waded into a sensitive racial issue and deepened already sharp divisions between the United States and South Africa.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded on Monday to US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off aid over the alleged mistreatment of White farmers, denying Trump’s claim that authorities were “confiscating land.

A much bigger worry than aid is trade: a quarter of South Africa's $15 billion exports to the U.S. get preferential tariffs under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), according to a 2023 AGOA factsheet, while South Africa estimates AGOA makes up 2% of its total exports.

In recent days, Musk and Trump have discussed halting aid to the country. The president said "certain classes" are being treated "VERY BADLY."

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa briefs the media on South Africa's G20 presidency for 2025 at the parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, December 3, 2024. REUTERS/Esa Alexander/File Photo JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Elon Musk on the subject of misinformation about South Africa,

Tech billionaire Elon Musk sparked widespread debate on social media after accusing South Africa of having "openly racist ownership laws". ・Elon Musk accused South Africa of having 'openly racist ownership laws' in response to a tweet by President Cyril Ramaphosa.