SA's ties with U.S. adversaries could make it difficult for Trump to be receptive to Pretoria, says Moeletsi Mbeki

JOHANNESBURG - Political economist Moeletsi Mbeki has said South Africa's relationships with U.S. adversaries will make it more difficult for President Donald Trump to be receptive to Pretoria.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump is scheduled to take place at the White House on Wednesday.

Among South Africa's desires is to fix its rocky diplomatic ties with the United States.

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The Trump administration's discontent is driven by unfounded claims that white Afrikaners are being targeted by racially motivated legislation.

Mbeki believes it will take significant effort to persuade Trump to soften his position on South Africa.

"They feel South Africa hasn't got the autonomy within Brics, that it more or less takes its marching orders from the Russians and the Chinese," said Mbeki.