New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Comments
The South African government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador after he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' comments regarding an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, caused offence 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 previously determined that it does not.
A official objection – known as a demarche – was issued by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the remarks.
Business Meeting Address Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at 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 – words that were interpreted as showing a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
He later retreated his stance, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.
Officials Responds Publicly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent inappropriate remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola noted 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 deteriorated after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations 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 not safeguarding the country's white minority and criticising its land reform plans.
The South African government, in turn, has condemned the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a white genocide have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Tensions deepened last year when the US levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
