In a strategic move, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has phoned influential billionaire Elon Musk, following a funding threat from US President Donald Trump. This development comes as Trump’s administration is poised to take a tougher stance on Africa, with a focus on countering China’s growing influence on the continent ¹.
Ramaphosa’s decision to reach out to Musk, who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, is seen as an attempt to leverage the billionaire’s close relationship with Trump. Musk has been a key supporter of Trump’s campaign and has been appointed as the joint head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Experts believe that South Africa has been presented with a unique opportunity to strengthen its ties with the US through Musk’s influence. Phiwokuhle Mnyandu, assistant director of the Center for African Studies at Howard University, notes that Trump values personal relationships and is likely to listen to Musk’s views on South Africa ¹.
However, Trump’s stance on Africa is expected to be shaped by his administration’s focus on countering China’s growing influence on the continent. This could lead to a more transactional approach to US-Africa relations, with African countries facing pressure to align themselves with US interests.
In this context, Ramaphosa’s outreach to Musk takes on added significance. By engaging with Musk, South Africa may be able to navigate the complexities of US-Africa relations under Trump’s administration.
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