New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The Pretoria government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' comments concerning an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, although the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.
Business Meeting Address Ignites Controversy
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as showing a lack of regard for the country's legal system.
He subsequently walked back 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 Reacts Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for 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.
''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.
Broader Bilateral Strains
Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations clashing over trade, diplomacy 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 minority white population 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 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.
