A meeting between the Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) and the United States Embassy has sparked concern among political analysts and international relations experts, who warn it may reflect waning confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership.
The TMF revealed on Friday via social media that it had hosted a US representative to prepare for an upcoming visit from a Washington delegation. While the foundation has remained tight-lipped about the agenda, experts believe the discussion likely included sensitive matters such as US-Africa trade, peace and security in Sudan and the DRC, and South Africa’s land reform policy.
“This is not a good sign for diplomatic clarity,” said international relations expert Dr Noluthando Phungula. “Engaging with a former president, however esteemed, may signal a diplomatic bypass of Ramaphosa’s administration.”
It comes at a sensitive time. Washington recently imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports, citing allegations of human rights violations tied to land redistribution policies. The South African government has denied the accusations, calling them “deeply flawed.”
Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu sees the meeting as a strategic message from the US. “They are expressing dissatisfaction with the current government. This may be an attempt to undermine and embarrass Ramaphosa,” he said.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya declined to comment to Cape Times on whether the meeting was endorsed by the government. Meanwhile, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) offered a diplomatic response, noting that it’s not unusual for states to engage with non-state actors.
“Information sharing cannot be equated to making foreign policy,” said Dirco’s Chrispin Phiri. He added that non-state actors can offer valuable alternative perspectives.
Still, critics argue that such interactions risk sending mixed signals. Professor Sipho Seepe noted that the move could have been less provocative if conducted through official diplomatic channels.
Mbeki, respected for his continental diplomacy during his presidency, has remained influential in shaping discourse on governance and pan-Africanism. He has also voiced strong support for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which remains a crucial trade framework for South Africa.
As speculation mounts over the visit, observers are watching closely to see whether this engagement marks a shift in US diplomatic posture—or a wake-up call for the Ramaphosa administration.
