Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks

The Pretoria government has summoned the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' observations regarding an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the highest 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 ''with a very dim view''.

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

Business Meeting Speech Sparks Controversy

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

One centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were interpreted as demonstrating a lack of regard for the country's judiciary.

He subsequently walked back 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 Responds Publicly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest undiplomatic remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola added 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.

''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.

Broader Bilateral Strains

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

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with not safeguarding the country's white minority and criticising its land reform 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 widely discredited and are not supported by credible proof.

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