Johann Rupert, Ernie Els to join Ramaphosa-Trump talks in the White House

WASHINGTON - The South African government’s arsenal during an official visit to the US will include the richest man in the country and famous golfers.

Johann Rupert, who has been credited for facilitating talks between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump is set to join the pair along with their different government representatives in the White House this afternoon.

Ramaphosa is attempting to reset relations with the US following protracted tensions between the two countries.

It will be 7 against 7 when presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump meet today.

READ: Ramaphosa assures SA's sovereignty will remain intact ahead of Trump meeting

With South Africa’s Ramaphosa accompanied by four of his ministers, Rupert as well decorated golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. 

An over-confident camp South Africa believes the sportsmen are just what’s needed to sweeten talks with Trump, arguing that he idolises their game on the lawns and will be tempted to play alongside them, possibly on African soil one day.

Trump will be joined by his vice president JD Vance, secretary of defence Pete Hegseth and Dr Massaid Bolous, a senior advisor on Africa and Middle East affairs 

READ: Mixed reaction in Washington to Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump

Trump’s secretary of state Marco Rubio will skip the meeting as he’s appearing before senate’s committee on foreign affairs.

His deputy, who welcomed the so-called 49 Afrikaner refugees in the states, Christopher Landau will take his place.

South African-born tech billionaire Elon Musk is also expected to be by Trump’s side.

The meeting kicks off at 5:30 CAT.