New 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'' comments regarding an anti-apartheid chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant amounts to hate speech, even though the highest court has previously determined that it does not.

A official objection – known as a demarche – was lodged 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 department of international relations later said the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the remarks.

Business Meeting Speech Sparks Controversy

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

One centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell stated 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 position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.

Government Responds Openly

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for 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 deteriorated after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two nations clashing over trade, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with not safeguarding the country's white minority and denouncing 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 claims of a white genocide have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.

Frictions deepened last year when the US levied the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.