Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The South African government has summoned the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' observations regarding an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, caused offence by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.
A formal protest – known as a demarche – was issued by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the remarks.
Forum Speech Sparks Dispute
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 centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – words 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''.
Government Reacts Publicly
At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Broader Diplomatic Tensions
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.
Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with not safeguarding the country's white minority and denouncing 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 largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.
Tensions intensified last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.