Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks

The South African government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an anti-apartheid chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, sparked controversy by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, although the Constitutional Court has previously determined that it does not.

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

He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the remarks.

Forum Address Ignites Dispute

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One involved the debate over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's judiciary.

He subsequently walked back his stance, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.

Government Reacts Openly

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

Minister Ronald Lamola added that the partnership between South Africa and the US was not one-sided. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Wider Bilateral Strains

Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

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

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

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