Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump Discuss Trade Matters During Phone Call, Citizens Want Details
- President Cyril Ramaphosa called Donald Trump to discuss trade matters on Wednesday, 6 August
- The respective trade negotiating teams will continue discussions about a potential trade deal
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the call, asking for more details about what was discussed
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - President Cyril Ramaphosa is not giving up on securing a trade deal for South Africa with the United States of America.
The two countries are yet to agree on bilateral trade matters, with Donald Trump’s 30% tariffs taking effect on 7 August 2025. With the tariffs officially in effect, Ramaphosa personally engaged with Trump to try and bring about some stability to the situation.
What did Ramaphosa and Trump discuss?
In a brief statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) on 7 August 2025, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa held a telephonic discussion during the morning of 6 August 2025 with Trump.
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“The two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements, recognising the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in,” the statement read.
More detailed discussions will now continue between the respective trade negotiating teams.
What you need to know about Trump’s tariffs?
- In April 2025, Trump backtracked on earlier plans as he paused his tariff hike implementation for 90 days.
- AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel said the African National Congress must be held accountable for the tariff increase.
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the tariffs won’t pressure it to drop its case against Israel.
- US President Trump announced his new set of tariffs for some countries, set to take effect in August.
- Ramaphosa challenged some of Trump's statements regarding his latest tariff increase imposed on South Africa.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans have questions about the call
Social media users weighed in on the brief statement by the president, asking for more details about the call.
Some even questioned if he spoke to Fikile Mbalula before the call because the Secretary-General of the African National Congress sparked division online when he told the USA to bring on the sanctions against ANC leaders.
Berick Nimb joked:
“He probably sent Trump a Please Call Me🤣.”
Calvin Baloyi said:
“Ramaphosa continues to beg his boss, Trump, who puts the interest of Americans first. Unlike Ramaphosa, who doesn’t care about the citizens of this country who voted for him, but rather is worried about pleasing foreigners.”
Katso Kat stated:
“No, that's not what happened. You should say that he was begging the USA President telephonically.”
Jabu Khetheni joked:
“Donald Trump doesn't take any African president seriously. So, it was just a waste of time and sleep.”
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Andrew McMurray asked:
“Did he send a Please Call Me?”
Deeren Naidoo noted:
“Clearly not much was said during that call.”
Mpoti Wa Nephembani suggested:
“The timeline is very interesting. If the call took place yesterday morning and Mbalula went on to dare the US to impose sanctions later in the afternoon, it says that Donald told Cyril to voetsek in that call.”
Jesse Barker joked:
“Just because he had a phone call doesn't mean it was with the White House in the USA. There is also a White House in Mthatha baba🤣.”
Tsoga Hlapa Oba-tsene asked:
“Can we listen to the voice recording of that call?”
Thabang Ngaps Phosholi said:
“Stop misleading us. Mbalula told us that you are not backing down, mos. So why call Trump?”
Ramaphosa hopeful of striking a deal
Briefly News previously reported that the president was hopeful that a deal could be reached with the USA.
The president also detailed what South Africa offered the US as part of a proposed trade deal.
South Africans shared their thoughts on the tariffs and Ramaphosa's response to the looming 30%.
Ramaphosa urges South African women to lead the charge for accountability and progress
In similar news, Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African women to hold the government accountable. Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of women’s active engagement in demanding better service and progress. The president said that the government is committed to addressing women’s concerns in South Africa.
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Source: Briefly News
