New US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks

The Pretoria government has summoned the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, although the highest court has previously determined that it does not.

A formal protest – 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 department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the comments.

Business Meeting Speech Sparks Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.

One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked 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 ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.

Government Responds Openly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent undiplomatic remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola noted 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.

Broader Diplomatic Tensions

Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides disagreeing on commerce, foreign policy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's white minority and denouncing its land redistribution plans.

The South African government, in turn, has criticised the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a targeted persecution 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.