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 ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, caused offence by disagreeing with a legal ruling 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 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 foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the comments.

Forum Address Sparks Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – words that were interpreted as showing a lack of regard 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''.

Government Reacts Openly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent inappropriate remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola added that the relationship 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.

Wider Diplomatic Strains

Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides clashing over trade, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of not safeguarding the country's white minority and denouncing its land reform plans.

The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised 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.