US Ambassador to South Africa Demarched Over ‘Hate Speech’ Remarks
The South African government has summoned the new United States ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell III, to explain comments he made regarding the chant “Kill the Boer,” a phrase with a controversial history linked to apartheid-era tensions. The move signals a deepening rift between the two nations, particularly under the current administration of US President Donald Trump.
Controversial Remarks and Government Response
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, announced the démarche on Wednesday, stating that Bozell’s remarks were “undiplomatic.” The summons followed Bozell’s comments at a BizNews conference in Hermanus, Western Cape, on Tuesday, where he stated, “I’m sorry; I don’t care what your courts say. It’s hate speech.” BBC News
Lamola emphasized that whereas South Africa welcomes public diplomacy and strengthened bilateral ties, such engagements must adhere to established etiquette and international protocols. PBS NewsHour
Bozell’s Clarification and Backtracking
Following the outcry, Bozell attempted to clarify his position on X (formerly Twitter). He acknowledged the South African government’s stance and stated that while his personal view—shared by many South Africans—is that the chant constitutes hate speech, the US government respects the independence of South Africa’s judiciary, which has ruled that the chant does not meet the legal definition of hate speech. Al Jazeera
Broader Diplomatic Rift
This incident is part of a larger pattern of strained relations between the US and South Africa since President Trump’s return to office. Ties have reached their lowest point since the end of apartheid in 1994. PBS NewsHour Trump has been openly critical of South Africa’s Black-led government, and Bozell, a conservative activist appointed by Trump, has continued this critical stance.
Bozell has also challenged South Africa’s diplomatic ties with Iran and its affirmative action laws, comparing the latter to the race laws that oppressed Black people during apartheid. He has called for changes to land laws allowing for expropriation without compensation. PBS NewsHour
Lamola also pointed out that the relationship between South Africa and the US is not one-sided, noting the significant investment South African companies maintain in the United States. BBC News
Recent History of US-South Africa Relations
Last year, the Trump administration imposed a 30 percent tariff on South African goods, though a recent court decision invalidated that rate. The US also extended refugee status to white Afrikaners, citing claims of persecution, while simultaneously halting resettlement programs for nearly all other refugee groups. Al Jazeera South African officials acknowledge high crime rates but reject the notion that white Afrikaners are specifically targeted, noting that Black residents face a higher incidence of crime. Al Jazeera