New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Comments
The South African government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador after he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, although 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 official of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the comments.
Business Meeting Speech Ignites Controversy
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 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 stance, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.
Government Reacts Publicly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his latest inappropriate 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.
''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 Diplomatic Strains
Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two nations disagreeing on trade, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.
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, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Tensions deepened last year when the US imposed the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.