New US Ambassador to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The Pretoria government has summoned the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' observations regarding an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the Constitutional Court has ruled previously that it does not.
A official objection – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
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 Sparks Controversy
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's legal system.
He later retreated his position, 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 Openly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest inappropriate remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola noted 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.
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 sides disagreeing on trade, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's white minority and criticising its land redistribution plans.
The South African government, in turn, has condemned the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a targeted persecution have been widely discredited and lack reliable evidence.
Frictions intensified last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
