New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The Pretoria government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments regarding an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant amounts to hate speech, although the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.
A official objection – known as a demarche – was lodged by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the comments.
Business Meeting Address Ignites Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as showing a disrespect for the country's legal system.
He subsequently walked back 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 Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his recent inappropriate remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added that the relationship between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''Substantial South African capital is invested in the US economy'', Lamola said.
''Mr Bozell expressed his regrets that these comments detracted from any impression that he wanted to work with us constructively'', stated Zane Dangor, the director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Bilateral Strains
Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations clashing over trade, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's white minority and criticising its land redistribution plans.
The South African government, in turn, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a targeted persecution have been widely discredited and are not supported by credible proof.
Frictions deepened last year when the US imposed the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
