Ramaphosa said he hopes to correct what he calls damaging mischaracterizations during the meeting, which is Trump's first with an African leader at the White House since he returned to office.

Kevin Lamarque/Reuters via CNN Newsource South African President Cyril Ramaphosa meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday.

Ramaphosa replied, “No, no, no, no. Nobody can take land.” When Trump welcomed Ramaphosa at White House, he characterized him as a controversial figure who is also well-respected.

President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ...

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa listens as he meets with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington. Credit: AP/Evan Vucci ...

President Trump welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House Wednesday, as tension between the two nations has ramped up since Trump returned to the Oval Office. Ramaphosa ...

Nairobi, Keyna (CNN) — Many South Africans are praising President Cyril Ramaphosa’s calm demeanor as President Donald Trump’s multimedia ambush unfolded in front of the world’s media.