New US Envoy 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 regarding an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, sparked controversy by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes 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 viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.
Business Meeting Speech Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One involved the argument 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 later retreated his stance, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.
Officials Reacts Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added that the partnership 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.
Wider Bilateral Tensions
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations disagreeing on commerce, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of not safeguarding the country's minority white population and denouncing 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 white genocide have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Frictions deepened last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
