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

The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' observations regarding an historical 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''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, although the Constitutional Court has previously determined that it does not.

A formal protest – known as a demarche – was issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.

He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments.

Forum Address Sparks Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.

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

He subsequently walked back 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''.

Officials Responds Publicly

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called 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. ''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

Ties between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, 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 reform plans.

The South African government, in turn, has condemned the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.

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