Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the new US ambassador following he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' observations concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by questioning a legal ruling 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 demarche – was lodged by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the remarks.
Forum Address Ignites Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were interpreted as showing a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.
Officials Reacts Openly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had called 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. ''Substantial South African capital is invested in the US economy'', 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Bilateral Strains
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two nations disagreeing on trade, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's minority white population and criticising its land reform plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Tensions intensified last year when the US imposed the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
