South African President Cyril Ramaphosa showed why he earned a reputation as a skilled negotiator in his clash with President Donald Trump.

US President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office with a forceful, reality-TV style ambush. After cordial greetings, Trump abruptly ordered the lights to be dimmed and played a video.

Donald Trump put his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, on the spot during his visit to the Oval Office this week with a list of claims about the deaths of white farmers - claims which Mr Ramaphosa countered and put into context.

The U.S State Department on Friday addressed the controversy over South African President Cyril Ramaphosa being confronted by Donald Trump over the alleged genocide of White farmers in South Africa. U.

Mr Ramaphosa kept his cool. But the episode underlined Donald Trump’s warped views of South Africa—and how hard it will be to change them. The Trump administration has cut aid to Africa’s largest economy and seems set to cancel the preferential trade terms enjoyed by South Africa (and many other countries in the continent).

President Cyril Ramaphosa provided an update after the closed-door session between the South Africans and Americans, saying both sides agreed to further engagements.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made his name in some of the toughest, highest-profile political negotiations his country has ever faced.