SA-US relations: Trump welcomes Ramaphosa at the White House

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa and his United States (US) counterpart, Donald Trump, have officially arrived at the White House in Washington to engage in a much-anticipated meeting between the two heads of state.

Members of the media have also been granted access to the building amid the talks, which come at a time when the two nations have had frosty relations in recent months.

Ramaphosa’s delegation includes four members of his Cabinet. They include Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Ronald Lamola, Parks Tau and John Steenhuisen.

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Earlier, it emerged that newly appointed South African special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, would not join the president’s delegation on the working visit.

However, The Presidency has assured that his absence bears no consequence to the programme.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya added that Jonas was part of the preparation team ahead of the meeting.

“His role is a backroom role. He has been involved in the preparation leading up to today, so his absence has no consequence to this meeting, and he will continue with other engagements following this meeting.”