Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador after he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' observations concerning 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 constitutes hate speech, even though the Constitutional Court has previously determined that it does not.
A official objection – known as a diplomatic note – was issued by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He provided a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments.
Business Meeting Address Ignites Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as demonstrating 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''.
Government Responds Publicly
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 added that the relationship 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Wider Diplomatic Tensions
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two nations disagreeing on 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 not safeguarding the country's minority white population and criticising its land reform plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Tensions intensified last year when the US imposed the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
