New US Envoy to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Comments

The South African government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence 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 demarche – was lodged by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.

He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the remarks.

Forum Speech Sparks Dispute

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

One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – words that were interpreted as demonstrating 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 Reacts Publicly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest undiplomatic remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the relationship 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 deteriorated after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations clashing over trade, foreign policy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with not safeguarding the country's minority white population and denouncing its land redistribution plans.

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

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