Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Comments
The South African government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' observations regarding an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, caused offence by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. 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 viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.
He issued a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the remarks.
Business Meeting Address Ignites Controversy
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – words that were interpreted as showing a lack of regard for the country's judiciary.
He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.
Officials Responds Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned 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 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.
Wider Diplomatic Strains
Relations between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.
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 condemned the US decision to prioritise 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.