Relations between South Africa and the United States are becoming increasingly strained after recent remarks by the U.S. ambassador reportedly offended South African officials.
South African authorities have summoned U.S. Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III to explain his comments, which have been deemed inappropriate in the context of diplomatic norms.
“South Africa supports active public diplomacy and the enhancement of bilateral relations, but such engagements must adhere to proper diplomatic conduct and international standards,” said Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola during a press briefing.
“In line with this, we have called in the U.S. ambassador to account for his undiplomatic statements,” Lamola added.
According to reports from the Boston Herald, this move comes after Bozell publicly expressed U.S. dissatisfaction with South Africa’s positions on several sensitive issues, including the handling of tensions between White South Africans and Black communities.
Ambassador’s statements
During a meeting with business leaders on Tuesday, Bozell indicated that the United States is losing patience with South Africa.
He cited grievances over South Africa’s refusal to condemn the “Kill the Boer” slogan, reconsider the Expropriation Act, modify aspects of Black Economic Empowerment policies, maintain a non-aligned foreign policy, and address farm attacks affecting white farmers.
Bozell emphasized, “As I’ve explained in previous meetings, U.S. patience is running thin. The government’s repeated failure to respond to straightforward questions speaks volumes.”
He also criticized South Africa for actions he viewed as disrespectful, including insulting the U.S. president ahead of an official visit and sending condolence messages to Iran after the death of its leader, Ali Khamenei, in U.S.-Israeli operations.
Regarding the “Kill the Boer” slogan, the ambassador described it as hate speech, stating, “I don’t care what your courts rule it is hate speech.”