Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s President, has expressed hope that the Democratic Party’s takeover of both chambers of the United States Congress will open a new chapter in relations between Washington and Pretoria, following an election setback for President Donald Trump’s Republicans.
Ramaphosa said the results of Tuesday’s midterm elections could reshape international relations, as Democrats secured control of the Senate and House of Representatives, ending the Republican Party’s grip on Congress for the final two years of Trump’s term.
“We have seen that the Democrats have taken control of the Senate and of the House, and the people of America have spoken,” Ramaphosa told reporters on Wednesday after voting in South Africa’s municipal elections.
“I do think that this is going to introduce a new era in world relations,” he added.
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The Democratic victory comes at a difficult time for relations between South Africa and the United States, which have deteriorated since Trump returned to office in January 2025. His administration has cut financial assistance to Pretoria, expelled South Africa’s former ambassador to Washington and moved to withdraw the country’s preferential access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Trump has repeatedly criticised South Africa over claims that its government discriminates against white citizens and permits the persecution of white farmers. Pretoria has rejected the allegations, describing them as a false narrative promoted by fringe groups.
The latest trade dispute centres on South Africa’s removal from AGOA, a US programme that allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the American market duty-free. The suspension, announced by Washington this week, is due to take effect in January 2027.
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Ramaphosa acknowledged the economic implications of the decision, describing it as a setback for South Africa’s trade relationship with the US. However, he said the development would not end commercial ties between the two countries.
“Whilst we are sad that we’ve been removed from AGOA, our trade relations with the United States continue,” he said.
He added that Pretoria’s priority should now be to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with Washington, while continuing efforts to find alternative markets for South African exports.
“Diversification has now become the order of the day,” Ramaphosa said.
The president’s remarks reflect Pretoria’s attempt to manage the diplomatic fallout while preserving access to one of its important export markets. South Africa has been seeking to broaden its trade relationships as uncertainty over US policy increases pressure on exporters.
Democratic control of Congress could create greater scrutiny of the Trump administration’s foreign and trade policies. It does not, however, automatically reverse decisions taken by the president or guarantee a change in Washington’s approach to South Africa.
The election results nevertheless give Democrats greater influence over legislation, government oversight and congressional investigations, potentially creating a different political environment for the administration’s dealings with Pretoria.
Ramaphosa said South Africa remained willing to improve relations with Washington, while emphasising that the country would continue to defend its own interests.
Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.
