New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The Pretoria government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a legal ruling 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 official objection – known as a demarche – was issued by the government, which stated it took Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He provided a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.
Forum Speech Sparks Controversy
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.
One involved the debate 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 later retreated his stance, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.
Officials Responds Publicly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his latest undiplomatic remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added 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 senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Wider Bilateral Strains
Ties between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, diplomacy 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 white minority and criticising its land redistribution 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 intensified last year when the US levied the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
