South Africa has formally summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III following controversial remarks he made about the anti-apartheid chant ‘Kill The Boer,’ creating a significant diplomatic rift between the two nations. The newly appointed ambassador, who assumed his position last month, sparked outrage by challenging a South African Constitutional Court ruling that had previously determined the chant does not constitute hate speech.
The diplomatic confrontation unfolded after Bozell addressed a business gathering in Hermanus on Tuesday, where he presented five areas requiring improvement in South Africa. His comments regarding the judicial system’s handling of the contentious chant were particularly inflammatory, with the ambassador stating he ‘did not care what the courts said’—a remark perceived as disrespecting the country’s legal institutions.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation issued a formal demarche, expressing the government’s severe disapproval of Bozell’s ‘undiplomatic’ statements. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the reciprocal nature of US-South Africa relations, noting that South African companies maintain substantial investments in the United States.
Following the diplomatic summons, Bozell issued a clarification and apology on Wednesday. Zane Dangor, Director-General of International Relations, confirmed the ambassador had expressed regret that his comments ‘detracted from any impression that he wanted to work with us constructively.’ Bozell subsequently affirmed that ‘the US government respects the independence of South Africa’s judiciary.’
This incident occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations since President Donald Trump took office. Tensions have escalated over multiple issues including trade policies, diplomatic approaches, and South Africa’s strategic partnerships. Trump has repeatedly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration, accusing it of failing to protect white minorities and questioning land reform initiatives.
Conversely, South Africa has condemned the US decision to prioritize refugee applications from white Afrikaners, maintaining that claims of ‘white genocide’ lack credible evidence. The relationship further strained last year when the US imposed unprecedented tariffs on South African goods, the highest among African nations.