Tactically, it would be ill-advised for Ramaphosa to keep saying Trump is misinformed. Fawning and flattery probably wouldn’t be too smart, either.
Black Economic Empowerment Act and all related legislation benefit black people, while limiting opportunities for whites and other minorities.
And there’s more race-based legislation on the way. Andrew Kenny, a registered professional engineer with degrees in maths and physics, wrote this week about how the latest amendments to the Employment Equity Act will inevitably result in qualified white people leaving in droves.
Trump may be criticised for his interpretation of words such as genocide and refugees, but he and his team are well-informed on factual details of SA’s race-based laws.
Tactically, it would be ill-advised for Ramaphosa to keep saying Trump is misinformed. Fawning and flattery, as some are suggesting, probably wouldn’t be too smart, either. Insincerity would be obvious.
Far better to agree, within reason, with the other side’s opening remarks in order to help create a receptive environment.
Then what? Trump is “transactional”. He likes to treat engagements as deal-making opportunities. And he wants to emerge with the best deal.
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If Ramaphosa’s entourage are well prepared, they should have some proposals that he might find attractive. Some cards to play.
What does South Africa have to offer? Will race-based legislation be toned down, or the Expropriation Act amended?
Will Ramaphosa take a stand against Julius Malema-style hate speech? Will SA withdraw its International Court of Justice genocide case against Israel, or stop supporting Iran?
Top choice should be phasing out race-based legislation. This would boost the economy and create jobs. That’s the best redress.
Jobs and growth, without which redress is worthless. Will Ramaphosa play this Trump card?
Tactically, it would be ill-advised for Ramaphosa to keep saying Trump is misinformed. Fawning and flattery probably wouldn’t be too smart, either.
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