Golf Legends Join South African President in Oval Office Talks with Trump

Ernie Els and Retief Goosen joined South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a crucial meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. The focus was on Trump’s controversial claims against the South African government regarding violence toward white farmers. Els and Goosen discussed the importance of unity and hope for their country, advocating for positive change in South Africa amidst ongoing tensions.

On May 21, 2025, President Donald Trump met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office. This meeting, which also included renowned golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, was primarily focused on addressing Trump’s controversial and unfounded claims regarding violence against white farmers in South Africa. Both Els and Goosen, who are celebrated figures in the golfing world, joined Ramaphosa at the invitation of the president, amidst growing tensions surrounding these accusations.

The backdrop of this meeting is Trump’s earlier decision to sever all U.S. aid to South Africa while simultaneously welcoming a group of white South African farmers to the United States as refugees. He has been vocal about his belief that a so-called “genocide” is occurring, arguing that the Black-led government is enacting policies that unfairly target white citizens. However, many experts in South Africa counter that claims of racial targeting are deeply flawed, emphasizing that all farmers face threats from rising crime rates, not just those of specific racial backgrounds.

During the meeting, President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring Els and Goosen. He mentioned a talk with fellow golfer Gary Player, who, at almost 90, could not attend but wished them well. Trump has awarded Player notable honors in the past, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom shortly after a tumultuous time in U.S. politics.

Els took the chance to address the group, remarking, “We are proud South Africans… we want to see things get better in our home country.” He acknowledged the complexities of the nation’s past and advocated for dialogue over hatred, referencing Nelson Mandela’s unifying vision post-apartheid. “I don’t think two wrongs make a right,” he added, highlighting the need for reconciliation and growth.

Els also recalled memorable moments in South Africa’s history that came through sports, such as the 1995 Rugby World Cup, suggesting that unity through these events is essential for future progress. He noted, “What I’m trying to say is this has been a long time coming… We still want to see our country flourish.”

Retief Goosen, who has his own family ties to farming, echoed Els’s concerns about the challenges faced by those working in agriculture. He described ongoing battles to sustain their livelihoods amid growing tensions and violence, saying, “It is a concern to try to make a living as a farmer.”

In the lead-up to this meeting, both Els and Goosen were preparing for the upcoming Senior PGA Championship, an event igniting fresh enthusiasm in their golfing careers. This gathering was more than just a social call; it was viewed as an opportunity to foster diplomacy amid pressing issues in South Africa. Golf, while a shared interest here, served as a platform for dialogue on significant societal themes.

The interaction between sports and politics may seem unusual, but it underscores the influence of notable athletes like Els and Goosen in advocating for their home country’s needs on a global stage. Their presence alongside Ramaphosa brings a unique perspective into discussions that affect countless lives back home.

The White House meeting on May 21, 2025, between President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside renowned golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, highlights significant tensions surrounding claims of racial violence in South Africa. These claims have been largely discredited by experts, emphasizing that violence affects all farmers irrespective of race. Els and Goosen, with their illustrious golfing backgrounds, underscored the need for dialogue and unity in addressing South Africa’s complexities. Their voices lend credibility to broader discussions while advocating for their homeland’s prosperity amidst challenging narratives.

Original Source: apnews.com