Pretoria summons envoy after criticism of domestic policies
South Africa has issued a formal diplomatic protest to the United States ambassador in Pretoria following a series of public remarks criticising the country’s domestic policies, signalling a further deterioration in relations between the two governments.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation summoned US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell to clarify comments that South African officials described as “undiplomatic.” Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed the démarche during a media briefing, saying the government had requested an explanation from the envoy.
Lamola said the remarks touched on sensitive domestic issues, including South Africa’s broad-based Black economic empowerment (BEE) policy, which has long been a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to address economic inequalities rooted in the apartheid era.
According to the minister, South Africa views the policy as a necessary tool to correct historical imbalances rather than an example of “reverse racism,” a claim that had been suggested in recent criticism.
Disputes emerge amid broader tensions between Washington and Pretoria
The diplomatic dispute comes at a time of strained relations between South Africa and the United States, particularly since the return of President Donald Trump to the White House last year.
Washington has repeatedly voiced concerns about several aspects of South African policy, including land reform initiatives, the country’s diplomatic ties with Iran and Hamas, and the broader direction of its economic transformation programmes.
Trump has also made controversial claims that white farmers in South Africa are victims of genocide and that the government is confiscating farmland, assertions widely rejected by South African officials and analysts.
Bozell, who was appointed ambassador earlier this year, has continued to express criticism of the government’s policies. His appointment itself was seen as contentious by some observers due to his past opposition in the 1980s to efforts by the African National Congress to dismantle apartheid.
The ambassador also commented on a ruling by South Africa’s Constitutional Court last year that determined the anti-apartheid chant “Kill the Boer” does not constitute hate speech under South African law. Bozell reportedly said he disagreed with the ruling, stating that he believed the chant was hateful regardless of the court’s judgment.
Following the diplomatic meeting, Zane Dangor, director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said the ambassador had expressed regret about how some of his remarks were perceived and reiterated his commitment to maintaining constructive engagement between the two countries.
Bozell later clarified his position on social media platform X, stating that while he personally considers the chant to be hate speech, the United States government respects the independence of South Africa’s judiciary.
Political leaders in South Africa also responded publicly. African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the country’s foreign policy would be determined by South Africans and their elected government rather than external actors.
This is not the first diplomatic dispute involving a US envoy in Pretoria. Three years ago, South African authorities summoned former ambassador Reuben Brigety after he accused the government of supplying weapons to Russia.
Despite these tensions, economic ties between the two countries remain significant. The United States is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner after China, and both governments have historically maintained cooperation in trade, investment and security matters.
