Can Mandela's former negotiator fix fractious relations with Trump?

But he warns should "emotional minds prevail" and the focus be on white genocide claims, things could unravel quickly.

"If the South African delegation cannot convince the Trump administration of the right of South Africa to exercise its own policy choices domestically and internationally… then the Oval Office moment will be used by Trump to humiliate Ramaphosa and to read him the riot act," the University of South Africa academic said.

"That second scenario is not what we want."

He hopes that South Africa's delegation has arrived in the US with an "enticing proposal", adding: "The negotiations cannot start in the Oval Office, in front of the cameras.

"That live moment must be the conclusion of a negotiation that should have happened earlier."

On this score, he says South Africa does have an ace up its sleeve: Ramaphosa, known for his negotiating skills and warmth.

He knows what buttons to press - and finding common ground over golf could be the swing he takes. The 72-year-old has already invited the US leader for a friendly round of golf during the G20 Summit taking place in South Africa in November - and has included two professional golfers in his entourage to Washington: Ernie Els and Retief Goose.

"Whether people like Cyril Ramaphosa or not, we have to acknowledge that he was one of the key players in the transition from apartheid to democracy. He made it happen because of his personality and style," Prof Van Nieuwkerk said.

'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.

Its "geo-strategic location" also made it "attractive" to the US, Prof Van Nieuwkerk added.

Painting a worst-case scenario, the analyst said: "There are players who would like to see us fail and then step in and... displace our role in Africa. This is the price we will pay if it goes wrong in the Oval Office".

But Mr Magwenya was at pains to explain the White House meeting was not a "sprint" to a solution.

"What it represents is the beginning of a process towards resolving the current impasse and normalising diplomatic relations," he said.

"Whether that meeting has a negative or positive outcome, it will be nonetheless a major opportunity for us to begin towards normalising the relationship."

Additional reporting by the BBC's Bernd Debusmann Jr in Washington DC.

More on South African-US relations:

• Is it checkmate for South Africa after Trump threats?
• What's really driving Trump's fury with South Africa?

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