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Why South African Ministers Remained Silent During Donald Trump Meeting: What Really Happened

Published

3 months ago

May 23, 2025

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Many South Africans were puzzled after seeing Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola remain silent during the televised portion of the recent meeting with US President Donald Trump. The ministers’ quiet presence sparked a wave of questions and some online mockery about their role in the delegation.

One social media user even asked whether the ministers were merely there to provide emotional support or just nod quietly during awkward pauses. So, what explains their silence?

The Reality Behind Diplomatic Meetings

Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for Minister Lamola, shed light on the nature of such high-profile diplomatic engagements. According to him, these meetings are carefully structured and often much more subdued than the public might expect.

“The brief televised segment you saw in the Oval Office was only the introduction. The real discussion happens behind closed doors, away from the cameras and public view,” Phiri explained. He emphasized that ministers speak only when the delegation leader—in this case, the president—invites them to contribute.

In other words, silence does not mean inactivity or irrelevance. Rather, it reflects the formality and respect for protocol that govern these sensitive talks.

Behind Closed Doors: The Meeting Went On

The meeting between the South African delegation and Donald Trump reportedly lasted for about two hours beyond the televised opening remarks. This extended discussion, conducted privately, was where substantive issues were addressed.

This context helps clarify why Ntshavheni and Lamola appeared silent on camera—they were present to support the president and step in only when appropriate, in line with diplomatic custom.

Addressing Misinformation

The government also quickly dismissed a fake social media post falsely attributed to Minister Ntshavheni. The fabricated message claimed that South Africa “smoked Donald Trump in his own backyard” and “taught him a lesson” during the meeting.

Officials confirmed the post was not genuine, highlighting the importance of verifying sources before accepting viral claims, especially on sensitive diplomatic matters.

Public expectations for diplomatic meetings can sometimes clash with the realities of international protocol. Silence in such settings often signals respect, coordination, and strategic listening rather than passivity.

South Africa’s delegation demonstrated this approach during the Trump meeting, ensuring that meaningful dialogue happened behind the scenes, away from the spotlight.