New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the new US ambassador following he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' comments regarding an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant amounts to hate speech, even though the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments.
Forum Address Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.
Officials Responds Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his latest undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added that the partnership between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''Substantial South African capital is invested in the US economy'', Lamola said.
''The ambassador conveyed his regret that his statements undermined the constructive partnership he seeks'', stated Zane Dangor, the senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Diplomatic Strains
Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations disagreeing on trade, foreign policy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.
Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with not safeguarding the country's minority white population and denouncing its land reform plans.
The South African government, in turn, 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 most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
