Ramaphosa at Nampo: A calculated move amid mounting domestic and international pressures

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent attendance at the Nampo Harvest Day, a premier agricultural event in Bothaville, marks a significant shift in his engagement with South Africa’s farming community.

This visit, his first since assuming the presidency, comes at a time when the nation grapples with escalating domestic challenges and strained international relations, particularly with the United States.

Ramaphosa’s presence at Nampo can be seen as an attempt to bridge the widening gap between the government and the agricultural sector. The farming community has expressed concerns over land reform policies, security issues, and economic uncertainties.

By attending Nampo, Ramaphosa aimed to reassure farmers of his commitment to addressing these challenges and to foster a sense of unity and cooperation.

During the event, Ramaphosa referred to 49 Afrikaners who recently emigrated to the US as “cowards”, criticising their departure amid South Africa’s transformation efforts.

This statement sparked backlash from groups such as AfriForum, which argued that the President should focus on creating a conducive environment that discourages emigration rather than chastising those who leave.

Ramaphosa’s visit to Nampo precedes his scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump. The bilateral talks aim to address tensions arising from the US granting refugee status to white South Africans and differing views on land reform and foreign policy.

The meeting presents an opportunity for Ramaphosa to clarify South Africa’s positions and to seek a reset in strategic relations.

South Africa faces significant internal issues, including a rising unemployment rate, which reached 32.9% in the first quarter of this year. The expanded definition, accounting for discouraged job seekers, indicates an even higher rate of 43.1%.

Corruption remains a pervasive problem, with Transparency International’s 2025 report highlighting stagnation in anti-corruption efforts. The country’s score on the Corruption Perceptions Index remains below the global average, signalling a need for more robust governance measures.

The enactment of the Expropriation Act, allowing land seizures without compensation under specific conditions, has drawn international scrutiny. Critics argue that the policy could deter investment and exacerbate racial tensions.

The US administration’s response, including granting asylum to white South Africans, underscores the global ramifications of domestic policies.

Ramaphosa’s engagement with the agricultural sector and forthcoming discussions with international leaders highlight the delicate balance required to address domestic concerns while maintaining favourable international relations.

Transparency, inclusive dialogue, and decisive action are crucial in steering South Africa toward a more stable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

* Adri Senekal de Wet is editor-in-chief of Independent Media.