Top golfer Ernie Els to join Ramaphosa at White House in bid to smooth strained US relations

702's Clement Manyathela is joined by EWN political reporter Tshidi Madia.

Listen below:

The richest man in the country and a famous golfer are among the South African government’s arsenal as it prepares to arrive at the White House later today (Wednesday).

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.

Golfer Ernie Els is also said to be part of the delegation. Trump, of course, is a massive fan of the game.

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

"They call him the breadwinner don't they, so the breadwinner Johann Rupert is confirmed. I've seen a list of who will be in the delegation."

- Tshidi Madia, EWN - Political Editor

It will be 7 against 7 when Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump meet today, says Madia.

"You've got the president and the ministers, but then you also have the golfers... Ernie Els and Retief Goosen."

- Tshidi Madia, EWN - Political Editor

"I understand that if possible they would have had Gary Player in the room - allegedly Donald Trump idolises the ground Gary Player walks on."

- Tshidi Madia, EWN - Political Editor

Madia was one of the journalists who spoke with President Ramaphosa at the South African Embassy in Washington on Tuesday.

"Overconfidence, cool, calm. We keep saying that this is a person who's got charm offensive."

- Tshidi Madia, EWN - Political Editor

Madia also notes that South Africa comes to the White House in a very different position than the likes of Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, or Canada's Mark Carney.

"It's not here with a begging bowl... it doesn't desperately need America's intervention."

- Tshidi Madia, EWN - Political Editor

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