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

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

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, caused offence by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the Constitutional Court has ruled previously that it does not.

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

He provided a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the remarks.

Forum Address Sparks Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining 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 showing a disrespect for the country's judiciary.

He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.

Officials Responds Openly

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

Minister Ronald Lamola added 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 senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Broader Diplomatic Strains

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

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

The South African government, in turn, has condemned the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been widely discredited and lack reliable evidence.

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