Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Comments
The Pretoria government has summoned the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' observations concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant amounts to hate speech, even though the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He issued a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.
Business Meeting Speech Sparks Controversy
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a corporate forum 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 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 Reacts Publicly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent inappropriate 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Bilateral Strains
Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been openly critical 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 give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a targeted persecution have been widely discredited and lack reliable evidence.
Tensions intensified last year when the US levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
