New US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Comments
The Pretoria government has called in the new US ambassador following he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' comments regarding an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, although 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 ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.
Business Meeting Address Ignites Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One involved the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
He subsequently walked back his stance, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.
Government Responds Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his latest undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added that the relationship 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Bilateral Strains
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides clashing over trade, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with failing to protect the country's minority white population and criticising its land redistribution plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has condemned the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a white genocide have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.
Frictions deepened last year when the US levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
