Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' comments concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, caused offence by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, although the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.
A official objection – known as a demarche – was issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He issued a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had expressed regret and apologised for the remarks.
Business Meeting Speech Sparks Controversy
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining 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 demonstrating a disrespect for the country's legal system.
He later retreated 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 press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned 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. ''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 senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Diplomatic Tensions
Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, foreign policy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.
Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with failing to protect the country's white minority and denouncing its land reform plans.
The South African government, in turn, has condemned the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a white genocide have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Frictions intensified last year when the US levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
