Reports indicate that billionaire businessman Johann Rupert is in Washington, United States US, and could form part of President Cyril Ramaphosas delegation scheduled to meet President Donald Trump .
The two leaders will meet on Wednesday 21 May at the White House after months of strained relations between South Africa and the US.
Is Johann Rupert part of Ramaphosas US delegation?Prominent journalist Redi Tlhabi revealed Ruperts reported presence in Washington in a Daily Maverick article on Monday 19 May, adding that he will be a part of Ramaphosa's entourage.
On Tuesday, News24 also reported that the businessman is in the US capital. It cited three unnamed sources who said Rupert was instrumental in securing the Ramaphosa-Trump meeting.
Rupert, an Afrikaner, is reportedly unhappy with Trumps false genocide claims and reference to Afrikaners as refugees. As a result, he has urged the US President to talk to his South African counterpart, reports suggest.
Officially, Ramaphosas delegation includes International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, and special envoy Mcebisi Jonas.
There has been no official confirmation of any other individuals in the delegation. As is often the case, senior embassy staff may attend some of the meetings.
The delegation held a strategic meeting on Tuesday at South Africas embassy in Washington, according to an X post by Ntshavheni.
On Monday, Tau and Steenhuisen also met US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
Discussions focused on aligning trade and investment priorities to deepen bilateral ties, Tau wrote on X .