New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning 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 formal protest – known as a demarche – was lodged 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 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 stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as showing a disrespect 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 Publicly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government declared 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 not one-sided. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', 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 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, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.
Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with not safeguarding the country's minority white population and denouncing its land reform plans.
The South African government, in turn, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been widely discredited and are not supported by credible proof.
Frictions deepened last year when the US imposed the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
