New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The Pretoria government has summoned the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' observations concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Some argue the chant amounts to hate speech, although 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 took Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and apologised for the remarks.
Forum Speech Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
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 ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.
Officials Reacts Publicly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest inappropriate remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola noted 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.
Wider Bilateral Tensions
Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations disagreeing on trade, foreign policy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's white minority and criticising its land reform plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to give preference to 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.
