🔗 Share this article Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Comments Bozell's comments about a divisive racial issue have been criticised as ''undiplomatic'' by the authorities. The Pretoria government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' observations regarding an anti-apartheid chant. Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, even though 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 ''with a very dim view''. He provided a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments. Business Meeting Speech Ignites Dispute On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing. One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as showing 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''. Government Reacts Openly At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent inappropriate remarks. Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the partnership between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Broader Diplomatic Strains Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, 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 minority white population and criticising its land reform plans. The South African government, in turn, has condemned 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 levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.
Bozell's comments about a divisive racial issue have been criticised as ''undiplomatic'' by the authorities. The Pretoria government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' observations regarding an anti-apartheid chant. Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, even though 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 ''with a very dim view''. He provided a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments. Business Meeting Speech Ignites Dispute On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing. One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as showing 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''. Government Reacts Openly At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent inappropriate remarks. Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the partnership between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Broader Diplomatic Strains Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, 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 minority white population and criticising its land reform plans. The South African government, in turn, has condemned 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 levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.