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Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks
The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador after he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' observations regarding an anti-apartheid chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, although the Constitutional Court has ruled previously that it does not.
A official objection – 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 official of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments.
Forum Address Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's legal system.
He later retreated his position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.
Government Responds Openly
At a media briefing 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.
''Mr Bozell expressed his regrets that these comments detracted from any impression that he wanted to work with us constructively'', 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 soured since US President Donald Trump took office 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, charging it with failing to protect the country's minority white population and denouncing 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 targeted persecution have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.
Tensions deepened last year when the US levied the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.
Kenneth Bell
A tech strategist and writer passionate about digital transformation and emerging technologies.
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