New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks
The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' comments concerning an historical chant.
Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, caused offence by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the Constitutional Court has ruled previously that it does not.
A official objection – known as a demarche – was issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.
He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and apologised for the remarks.
Business Meeting Speech Sparks Dispute
On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.
One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as showing a disrespect for the country's judiciary.
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''.
Officials Reacts Openly
At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his latest inappropriate remarks.
Minister Ronald Lamola added that the relationship between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', 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.
Wider Bilateral 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, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.
Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of not safeguarding the country's minority white population and denouncing its land redistribution plans.
The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.
Tensions intensified last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.