New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks

The South African government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' observations concerning an anti-apartheid chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, caused offence by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. 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 viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.

He issued a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the remarks.

Business Meeting Address Ignites Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One involved the debate over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as showing a lack of regard for the country's judiciary.

He later retreated his position, 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 account for his recent inappropriate remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the relationship between South Africa and the US was not one-sided. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', 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

Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two nations 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 minority white population and criticising its land redistribution plans.

The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.

Tensions intensified last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.