New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The Pretoria government has summoned the new US ambassador following he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, although the highest court has previously determined that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He issued a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the comments.
Business Meeting Address Ignites Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as showing a lack of regard for the country's judiciary.
He later retreated his position, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.
Government Reacts Publicly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added that the partnership between South Africa and the US was not one-sided. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', Lamola said.
''The ambassador conveyed his regret that his statements undermined the constructive partnership he seeks'', stated Zane Dangor, the director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Bilateral Tensions
Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides clashing over trade, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's minority white population and criticising its land redistribution plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has condemned the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Frictions deepened last year when the US levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
