New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador after he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' observations concerning an anti-apartheid 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''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, although the highest court has previously determined that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the comments.
Business Meeting Speech Ignites Controversy
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One involved the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
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 Responds Openly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his recent undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the relationship between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', Lamola said.
''Mr Bozell expressed his regrets that these comments detracted from any impression that he wanted to work with us constructively'', stated Zane Dangor, the senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Bilateral Tensions
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two nations clashing over 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 not safeguarding the country's minority white population and denouncing its land reform plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has condemned the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.
Tensions intensified last year when the US levied the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
