On this score, he says South Africa does have an ace up its sleeve: Ramaphosa, known for his negotiating skills and warmth. Dr Lubna Nadvi, a political analyst based at South Africa's University of KwaZulu-Natal, agrees the South African president has the personality to "handle the situation should things get out of hand". 'The US needs South Africa too'Mr Magwenya also made the point that South Africa would not be heading into Wednesday's meeting "with a begging bowl". "As much as South Africa needs access to one of the world's largest markets... the United States equally needs certain products and goods out of South Africa." South Africa currently exports a variety of minerals to the US, including platinum, iron and manganese, as well as precious stones, metals and fruit.