New US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks

The Pretoria government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments regarding an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, caused offence by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the highest court has previously determined that it does not.

A official objection – known as a diplomatic note – 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 expressed regret and said sorry for the comments.

Forum Address Ignites Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's judiciary.

He later retreated his stance, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.

Government Reacts 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 not one-sided. ''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 senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Broader Diplomatic Strains

Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, foreign policy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's minority white population and criticising its land redistribution plans.

The South African government, meanwhile, has condemned the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.

Frictions intensified last year when the US levied the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.