New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The South African government has called in the new US ambassador following he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' observations regarding an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, caused offence by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. 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 issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the remarks.
Business Meeting Speech Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as demonstrating 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''.
Officials Reacts 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 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.
''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 Diplomatic 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 commerce, diplomacy 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 minority white population 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 allegations of a white genocide have been widely discredited and are not supported by credible proof.
Frictions intensified last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.