South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections could mark a turning point in international relations, raising hopes of improved ties between Pretoria and Washington.
His remarks followed sweeping Democratic gains in Tuesday’s elections, which saw the party secure control of both the Senate and House of Representatives, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters after voting in South Africa’s municipal elections, Ramaphosa said the American electorate had delivered a clear message and that the outcome could reshape Washington’s approach to international affairs.
Relations between South Africa and the United States have deteriorated sharply under Trump’s administration, particularly over trade disputes and allegations concerning the treatment of the country’s white minority.
Trump has accused Pretoria of persecuting white South Africans, allegations the government has repeatedly rejected.
Tensions escalated further on Monday when Washington announced plans to remove South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), ending preferential trade benefits from January 2027.
The decision followed earlier measures by the Trump administration, including cuts to US financial assistance and the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to Washington.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that losing AGOA benefits would hurt South Africa but stressed that economic relations between the two countries extended beyond the trade programme.
He said Pretoria would continue pursuing a bilateral trade agreement with Washington while expanding commercial partnerships elsewhere.
The South African leader added that his government had already begun identifying alternative export destinations as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on individual markets.
Ramaphosa expressed hope that the new political balance in Washington would create opportunities for greater cooperation on trade, investment and international affairs.
Despite the Democratic victory in Congress, Trump remains president, meaning any major shift in US foreign or trade policy would still depend on negotiations with his administration.
