Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Comments

The South African government has summoned the recently arrived US ambassador after he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an anti-apartheid chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant amounts to hate speech, even though the highest court has previously determined that it does not.

A formal protest – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.

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 Speech Ignites Dispute

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

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

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''.

Government Responds Openly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest inappropriate remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the partnership between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''Substantial South African capital is invested in the US economy'', 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.

Wider Diplomatic Strains

Ties between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.

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 condemned the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims 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.