Els and Goosen Advocate for South Africa in White House Meeting with Trump
Ernie Els and Retief Goosen joined South Africa’s President Ramaphosa in a White House meeting with Trump, discussing allegations against South Africa’s government. The meeting highlighted tensions regarding violence against white farmers, with Els emphasizing a desire for unity and improvement in South Africa.
In an unexpected meeting in the Oval Office on May 21, 2025, President Donald Trump met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside notable South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. This meeting comes amidst escalating tensions over Trump’s claims regarding violence against white farmers in South Africa, which have been fiercely disputed by local experts. Els and Goosen, both members of the Golf Hall of Fame with multiple U.S. Open titles to their names, were part of a delegation aimed at improving relations between South Africa and the U.S.
Trump has already taken decisive action against South Africa by cutting U.S. aid and welcoming white farmers from there as refugees, alleging that a genocide is occurring. His accusations include claims of systemic land seizures from white farmers by the Black-led government of South Africa, alongside an alleged anti-American foreign policy. Experts argue that these assertions lack credible evidence, noting that all farmers, regardless of race, are facing violent home invasion risks in a nation struggling with high crime rates.
When asked about the attendance of Els and Goosen at the meeting, Ramaphosa explained how he invited the golf icons at Trump’s suggestion. Ramaphosa stated, “When I spoke to you, you said, ‘Yes, come along and bring Gary Player and Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.’ I brought the two of them.” Though Gary Player couldn’t attend, he sent well-wishes for the meeting to Ramaphosa, whom Trump honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom days after the January 2021 Capitol riot.
Ernie Els spoke candidly during the meeting, emphasizing his pride in being South African. He said, “We want to see things get better in our home country. That’s the bottom line.” He reflected on South Africa’s transition away from apartheid, acknowledging the deep-seated anger that lingers from that era while advocating for unity. He referenced Nelson Mandela’s efforts to promote reconciliation through sports post-apartheid, noting the significance of events like the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Els, who has secured four major championship titles, highlighted the need for constructive cooperation to foster growth in South Africa. “What I’m trying to say is this has been a long time coming,” he added, emphasizing the vital role the U.S. plays in this progress. Goosen, who experienced challenges as a farmer, echoed concerns about the difficulties farmers face. He remarked, “It is a concern to try to make a living as a farmer.”
The backdrop of this meeting was the Senior PGA Championship, starting Thursday at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Both Els and Goosen are there to compete, but their presence at the White House was more than just a social call; it was about advocating for their homeland amidst a complex political landscape. Els reflected on his first game of golf with Trump back in 2017, stating, “We didn’t talk politics because I’m not a man who can cast a vote,” reinforcing his diplomatic approach even in the sports realm.
In summary, President Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Els, and Goosen underscores ongoing tensions regarding claims about violence in South Africa. With accusations from Trump about race-based violence and government policies, both Els and Goosen advocated for unity and betterment for their nation. The meeting highlights the intricate ties between politics and sports, especially for those grappling with significant social issues back home.
Original Source: apnews.com
