Els and Goosen Meet Trump and Ramaphosa to Discuss South Africa’s Challenges
South African golf icons Ernie Els and Retief Goosen met with President Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa in Washington to discuss issues surrounding race and land in South Africa. This meeting comes in response to Trump’s claims about violence against white farmers, which experts dispute. Els and Goosen expressed hopes for future cooperation and progress amid significant societal challenges in their home country.
In an intriguing convergence of sport and diplomacy, South African golfing legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen attended a White House meeting with President Donald Trump on May 21, 2025. They were present alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is addressing Trump’s controversial claims regarding violence against white farmers in South Africa. This meeting outlines the complexities surrounding race and land policies in the nation, amid an atmosphere charged with allegations from the U.S. leader.
The meeting comes at a time when Trump has severed U.S. aid to South Africa and dramatized the narrative by characterizing the conditions as genocidal towards white farmers. It’s worth noting, however, that experts argue there is little evidence to support the notion of targeted killings based on race. Rather, they highlight that violent home invasions affect farmers of various backgrounds, as crime rates in South Africa remain distressingly high.
Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, celebrated Hall of Fame golf players with six U.S. Open titles between them, were a part of Ramaphosa’s delegation. Els, who resides in South Florida, first played golf with Trump eight years prior. He shared that Ramaphosa had initially suggested he bring along both Els and Player for the meeting.
In the conversation, Els expressed the hope for a cooperative future, stating, “We are proud South Africans. We want to see things get better in our home country. That is the bottom line.” He emphasized the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who sought national unity after apartheid, and underscored the importance of progress and coexistence moving forward.
Goosen recounted the personal challenges of farming in South Africa, revealing that his brother is still managing the family property amidst struggles, stating, “It is a constant battle with… them trying to burn the farm down to chase you away.” This comment adds a personal layer to the larger dialogue.
Els reflected on the socio-political landscape, saying, “What I’m trying to say is this has been a long time coming… We still want to see our country flourish.” He called for U.S. engagement to help push towards a more stable future for South Africa.
The backdrop of this meeting is the upcoming Senior PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club, illustrating how sports and national dialogue often intersect. As these notable figures continue their involvement in golf, their actions may very well impact perceptions of South Africa’s societal challenges.
This meeting not only highlights the historical ties between sports and politics but also how challenging conversations about race and land can transpire within the highest reaches of political discourse.
In summation, the meeting at the White House between Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, and President Trump, alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, sheds light on ongoing tensions surrounding race relations and land issues in South Africa. The dialogue emphasized a shared desire for progress and stability, drawing upon the legacies of past leaders while attempting to navigate current challenges. As these prominent golfers engage in these discussions, the intertwining of sport and politics remains evident, highlighting the complexities at play.
Original Source: apnews.com
