New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' observations concerning 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''. Some argue the chant amounts to hate speech, although the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the comments.
Business Meeting Address Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as demonstrating a lack of regard for the country's legal system.
He later retreated his stance, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.
Officials Reacts Openly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the partnership between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', 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 senior official 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, foreign policy 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 white minority and denouncing its land reform 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 lack reliable evidence.
Frictions intensified last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
