New US Ambassador to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Comments

The Pretoria government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' observations regarding an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant amounts to hate speech, even though the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.

A official objection – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.

He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and apologised for the comments.

Forum Address Ignites Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a corporate forum in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One centered on 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 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''.

Officials Reacts Publicly

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called 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 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 Diplomatic Tensions

Relations 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 strategic partnerships.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's minority white population and criticising its land redistribution 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 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.