New US Ambassador to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Comments
The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' comments regarding an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, although the highest court has previously determined that it does not.
A official objection – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged 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 said sorry for the comments.
Business Meeting Speech Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as showing a disrespect for the country's legal system.
He later retreated 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''.
Government Responds Publicly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola noted 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.
Wider Bilateral Tensions
Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with failing to protect the country's minority white population and criticising its land redistribution plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Tensions intensified last year when the US levied the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
