Lamola: SA partnership with US 'strategic' despite diplomatic tensions

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa’s relationship with the United States (US) remains key, despite diplomatic tensions flaring this year.

Lamola is currently in London at the Financial Times Africa Summit, where he again addressed the visit by a South African delegation to the White House in May.

At the time, President Cyril Ramaphosa was accompanied by four ministers and businessman Johann Rupert in an effort to salvage ties between the two nations.

The meeting, however, took an unexpected turn when Donald Trump "ambushed" the South African delegation.

Trump displayed what he referred to as a "documentary", largely featuring Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema chanting the controversial "Kill the Boer" slogan and other false narratives about a genocide against Afrikaner farmers.

IN PICTURES | The Trump - Ramaphosa meeting

Asked about the ambush on Tuesday, Lamola maintained it is business as usual between the two economies.

“We continue to view the US as a strategic partner to our economy,” Lamola stated.

“There are lives and livelihoods that are empowered by American investment in our country – that’s why the partnership remains strategic. But we also understand that our relations with the US is not just in the White House – it’s companies, Congress, civil society.”

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