New US Ambassador to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks

The Pretoria government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' comments regarding an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by disagreeing with 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 formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.

He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.

Forum Speech Sparks Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the seaside resort 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 – comments that were interpreted as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's judiciary.

He subsequently walked back his stance, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.

Officials Responds Publicly

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest inappropriate remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola added that the partnership between South Africa and the US was not one-sided. ''Substantial South African capital is invested in the US economy'', 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.

Broader Bilateral Strains

Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, foreign policy 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 white minority and criticising its land reform plans.

The South African government, meanwhile, has condemned the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a white genocide have been widely discredited and lack reliable evidence.

Frictions deepened last year when the US levied the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.