ANC Declines Meetings with US Ambassador Bozell Until Formal Credentials Presented

The African National Congress (ANC) has stated it will not engage with Leo Brent Bozell III, the incoming US ambassador to South Africa, until President Cyril Ramaphosa formally accepts his credentials. This stance underscores growing tensions between the ANC and the United States regarding South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies.

ANC’s Position on Bozell’s Legitimacy

ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane made the announcement during a media briefing ahead of the ANC’s planned People’s March on Saturday, March 22, 2026. Mokonyane emphasized that Bozell’s position remains unofficial until his credentials are presented to President Ramaphosa. “Until the time when the President receives his credentials, he is not an ambassador based in the Republic of South Africa,” she stated. The Star

The ANC will not schedule meetings with Bozell until the President officially acknowledges his role, viewing any interaction prior to this as informal and lacking value. While acknowledging that others have already met with the ambassador, Mokonyane clarified that the ANC would not lend legitimacy to his position without adhering to proper diplomatic protocol. The Star

Underlying Tensions and Policy Disagreements

This decision comes amid rising friction between the ANC and the US, particularly concerning South Africa’s policies on land expropriation and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Bozell previously expressed concerns regarding the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant during a meeting with business leaders. News24

Mokonyane criticized the US government’s stance on South Africa’s economic policies, asserting that these policies are central to addressing inequality within the country and should not be dictated by external forces. “Our policies cannot be written by others because they serve the interests of our country,” she said.

Defense of Sovereignty and Upcoming March

The ANC’s upcoming march is framed as a defense of South Africa’s sovereignty and its democratic gains, not as an anti-US protest. Mokonyane explained that the march aims to assert South Africa’s right to govern its own affairs and transform its economy to reduce dependency and challenge private sector monopolies. The Star

Mokonyane also called for an end to aggression in the Middle East, particularly between the US, Israel, and Iran, stating the ANC is communicating with progressive groups in the US and advocating for a ceasefire and negotiation.

Diplomatic Protocol and the Vienna Convention

While Bozell presented a copy of his credentials to a Deputy Director-General at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in February, the ANC maintains that this does not equate to full recognition. The Herald However, Article 13 of the Vienna Convention suggests that presenting a copy of credentials to a Dirco official does confer ambassadorial status. The Herald Full ambassadorship is officially granted upon presentation of credentials to the President.

Looking Ahead

The ANC’s firm stance on Bozell’s legitimacy highlights the party’s commitment to defending South Africa’s sovereignty and resisting external influence on its domestic policies. The situation remains fluid as the ANC awaits President Ramaphosa’s formal reception of the US ambassador’s credentials.