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

The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador after he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' observations regarding an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, caused offence by questioning 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 official objection – 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 official of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments.

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 centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – words that were interpreted as showing a disrespect 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 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 inappropriate 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Broader Bilateral Tensions

Ties between the US and South Africa have soured since US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides clashing over trade, 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 denouncing 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 largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.

Tensions deepened last year when the US imposed the highest tariffs of any African country on South Africa.