The government of South Africa has summoned the new United States ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell III, after remarks he made about a controversial anti-apartheid chant were described as “undiplomatic.”
Bozell, who assumed the role last month, sparked criticism after commenting on the chant “Kill the Boer”, a slogan historically linked to anti-apartheid activism. The chant has long been debated in South Africa, with critics arguing it amounts to hate speech, while courts have ruled that it does not meet the legal threshold for incitement. The Constitutional Court of South Africa previously determined that the chant is protected under freedom of expression.
During a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, Bozell said he disagreed with the ruling and suggested he did not care what the courts had decided. South African officials interpreted the comment as showing a lack of respect for the country’s judicial system.
In response, the South African government issued a formal diplomatic protest, known as a demarche, and called the ambassador to Pretoria for an explanation. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said the government viewed the comments “with a very dim view,” emphasizing that relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect.
Bozell later issued a clarification, stating that the US government respects the independence of South Africa’s judiciary and that he wants to work constructively with the country. According to Zane Dangor, director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the ambassador expressed regret and apologized for the remarks.
The incident comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Pretoria since Donald Trump returned to the US presidency last year. The two governments have clashed over trade, foreign policy positions and South Africa’s international alliances.
Trump has also criticized the administration of Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing it of failing to protect the country’s white minority and opposing its land reform policies. South African officials have pushed back strongly, rejecting claims of a “white genocide” and arguing that such accusations lack credible evidence.
Despite the dispute, both sides say they intend to maintain diplomatic relations and continue working together on economic and political issues.
