Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' observations regarding an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the highest court has previously determined that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a demarche – was lodged by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.
Forum Speech Ignites Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a corporate forum in the coastal town 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 taken as showing a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
He later retreated his position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.
Officials Reacts Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his recent 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 senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Diplomatic Strains
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations clashing over trade, foreign policy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with failing to protect the country's white minority and criticising its land reform plans.
The South African government, in turn, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations 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.