The Strategic Use of Capital by South Africa’s Delegation in the 2025 Trump Meeting

Question

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s choice of delegates for his 21 May 2025 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump was very strategic. Each member brought different types of capital—such as social, cultural, economic, or symbolic—that helped manage a difficult conversation. Trump had made serious and false claims about a so-called “white Afrikaner genocide” in South Africa. The meeting needed a calm but strong response, and the team Ramaphosa brought helped him do that well.

One key member of the delegation was Ronald Lamola, the Minister of International Relations. His habitus comes from his background in law and diplomacy. He has a calm, professional style and is used to working with international issues. He brought cultural capital to the meeting, using his knowledge of South African law and land reform to give clear and honest answers. His facts helped fight back against Trump’s misleading claims, and he showed that South Africa’s land reform is legal and peaceful.

Another important person was Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency. Her habitus shows leadership, confidence, and strong communication. She holds a central position in government, which gives her a lot of social capital—she knows the right people and understands how to manage information. She helped keep the delegation’s message clear and focused, and made sure everyone worked together. This helped the team stay calm and united in front of Trump’s strong opinions.

Lastly, President Ramaphosa brought Johann Rupert, Ernie Els, and Retief Goosen, who are all well-known in business and sports. Johann Rupert, a top businessman, brought economic capital, which showed that South Africa is a serious country for trade and investment. Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, famous golfers, brought symbolic capital. They are respected in the U.S. and around the world. Their habitus—success, popularity, and good reputation—helped make the meeting friendlier and more respectful. They made South Africa look modern and successful in ways that go beyond politics.

Together, this delegation helped make the meeting with Trump more successful. They responded to false stories with truth, used their influence to shift the tone, and showed that South Africa is a country with law, leadership, and strong global connections. Ramaphosa’s team used their capital wisely to protect the country’s image and to open the door to better relations with the U.S. based on the information above and by utilizing the simplest english cause we are helping a grade 9 learner write and essay that will cover only one page. please following the intstuctions: nstructions:

Delegation Analysis (15 marks):

Identify and discuss at least three (3) members of the South African delegation who accompanied President Ramaphosa to the meeting.

For each delegate, describe their habitus (background, professional identity, worldview, or behavioral style) and the specific type(s) of capital (social, cultural, economic, or symbolic) they possess, using the theory of Pierre Bourdieu.

Capital Application (15 marks):

Explain how each delegate's capital contributed to the success or value of the meeting with President Trump, particularly in addressing the sensitive issues he raised (such as the so-called “white Afrikaner genocide” and overall South Africa–U.S. relations).

Strategic Reflection (10 marks):

Reflect critically on why these individuals were strategic choices for such a high-level diplomatic encounter.

Answer 1

Delegation Analysis

In May 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with U.S. President Donald Trump to address sensitive issues regarding South Africa. To navigate this difficult conversation, Ramaphosa strategically selected a diverse delegation. Three key members were Ronald Lamola, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Johann Rupert.

Ronald Lamola serves as South Africa’s Minister of International Relations. His background in law and diplomacy gives him a calm and professional demeanor, which is essential for international discussions. Lamola’s cultural capital stems from his deep understanding of South African law and land reform. He is knowledgeable and articulate, which allowed him to counter Trump’s misleading claims about land reform and demonstrate that South Africa's approach is lawful and peaceful.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency, presents a strong leadership presence. Her confidence and effective communication skills provide her with substantial social capital. She holds a central position in government and knows how to coordinate efforts within the delegation. Ntshavheni helped maintain a united front, ensuring that all members of the group collaborated effectively and delivered a clear message during the meeting, helping to manage the interaction with Trump.

Johann Rupert, a prominent businessman, added economic capital to the team. His influence in business and investment signaled South Africa’s seriousness as a trading partner. Along with Rupert, famous golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen contributed symbolic capital. Their international fame and success helped portray South Africa positively, showing the country as modern and globally respected.

Capital Application

Each delegate's capital played a crucial role in the success of the meeting with Trump. Ronald Lamola’s cultural capital allowed him to provide factual and clear responses to the false claims regarding a “white Afrikaner genocide.” By addressing these misconceptions calmly and effectively, he helped to build trust and clarify South Africa’s stance on land reform.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni's social capital was vital in ensuring that the delegation presented a united message. Her ability to manage discussions kept the focus on cooperation rather than conflict, fostering a more productive atmosphere for addressing sensitive topics.

Johann Rupert’s economic capital was instrumental in showcasing South Africa’s potential for trade and investment. His presence helped communicate to Trump that South Africa is not only stable but also attractive for business, which is critical for improving relationships between the two countries. The symbolic capital brought by Ernie Els and Retief Goosen enhanced the meeting’s overall tone, making it friendlier and more constructive.

Strategic Reflection

The selection of Lamola, Ntshavheni, Rupert, Els, and Goosen was strategic for a high-level diplomatic encounter like the meeting with Trump. Each member brought different strengths that collectively addressed the complexity of the situation. Lamola’s calm and factual approach helped counter misinformation, while Ntshavheni’s leadership ensured the delegation remained focused and united. Rupert, Els, and Goosen contributed to a positive image of South Africa that transcended political discussions, making the country appear prosperous and respectful.

In conclusion, the careful selection of delegates highlighted Ramaphosa’s understanding of the need for a diverse skill set—combining legal expertise, strong leadership, and economic influence—to successfully navigate sensitive international issues. This strategic approach allowed South Africa to protect its global image and improve relations with the United States.