New US Ambassador to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' comments concerning an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant amounts to hate speech, even though the highest 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 ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations subsequently stated 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 centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as showing a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' 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 latest undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added 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.
Broader Diplomatic Strains
Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, 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 redistribution plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, 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.
Frictions intensified last year when the US imposed the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
