New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks

The Pretoria government has called in the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' comments concerning an anti-apartheid chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role in recent weeks, sparked controversy by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Certain groups claim the chant constitutes hate speech, although the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.

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

He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a official of the foreign ministry later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the comments.

Forum Address Sparks Dispute

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as demonstrating a disrespect for the country's judiciary.

He later retreated his stance, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.

Government Responds Publicly

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

Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the relationship between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', Lamola said.

''Mr Bozell expressed his regrets that these comments detracted from any impression that he wanted to work with us constructively'', stated Zane Dangor, the senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Wider Bilateral Strains

Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations clashing over commerce, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.

Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with not safeguarding the country's white minority and criticising its land reform 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 lack reliable evidence.

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