New US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The Pretoria government has summoned the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, caused offence by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. 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 issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He issued a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the remarks.
Business Meeting Speech Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as showing a disrespect for the country's legal system.
He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' 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 announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the partnership 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.
Wider Diplomatic Tensions
Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations disagreeing on trade, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.
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 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 largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.
Tensions deepened last year when the US levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
