The South African president is heading to Washington for a crucial meeting with the U. S. president.  This visit is happening at a time when the relationship between the two countries is quite strained. This is the lowest point in their relationship since the end of apartheid.  The U. S. president has been vocal about his concerns, claiming that "terrible things" are happening in South Africa.  He even invited Afrikaners to seek refuge in the U. S.  A group of 59 white South Africans recently arrived in Washington on a U. S. government plane.  This is not a typical welcome for refugees, as high-ranking officials were there to greet them.  The Afrikaners were given small American flags and told they were honored to be there.  The deputy secretary of state even compared their arrival to his own family's escape from Nazi Germany.  Many South Africans back home were shocked by this display.

    Meanwhile, the South African president has been vocal about his thoughts on the matter.  He called the Afrikaners who left "cowards, " saying they just didn't want to live in a country with a Black majority.  He also dismissed claims by the U. S. president and his advisor that Afrikaners are having their land taken away or being treated unfairly.  The South African president has a chance to discuss these issues in person during his visit.  Despite experts and data contradicting the U. S. president's claims, the administration has continued to criticize South Africa.  This includes refusing to participate in G20 events that South Africa is hosting this year.  The U. S. secretary of state even kicked out the new South African ambassador, accusing him of being a "race baiting politician" and hating the U. S. president.

    South Africa has a complex history with the U. S.  The U. S. was one of the last countries to end apartheid.  It was also one of the first to establish diplomatic relations with South Africa after the end of apartheid.  The two countries have had a close relationship since then, with the U. S. providing aid to South Africa.  However, this relationship has been strained in recent years, with the U. S. president's comments about South Africa being a major factor.  The South African president's visit to Washington is an opportunity to address these issues and hopefully improve the relationship between the two countries.  It is important to note that the U. S. president's comments about South Africa have been criticized by many, including experts and data.  It is unclear how the meeting between the two presidents will go, but it is sure to be a critical moment in the relationship between the two countries.

Tensions High as South African Leader Visits Washington

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