Recently Appointed US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Comments

The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''undiplomatic'' observations regarding an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role in recent weeks, caused offence by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant amounts to hate speech, even though the Constitutional Court has ruled previously that it does not.

A official objection – known as a diplomatic note – was issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''very unfavorably''.

He issued a statement on Wednesday, and a representative of the foreign ministry subsequently stated the ambassador had expressed regret and apologised for the comments.

Forum Address Ignites Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining 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 – comments that were interpreted as showing a lack of regard for the country's legal system.

He later retreated his position, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.

Government Responds Openly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest undiplomatic remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola added that the relationship between South Africa and the US was not one-sided. ''South African companies maintain a significant investment in the United States'', Lamola said.

''The ambassador conveyed his regret that his statements undermined the constructive partnership he seeks'', stated Zane Dangor, the director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Wider Diplomatic Tensions

Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of failing to protect the country's minority white population and criticising its land reform plans.

The South African government, meanwhile, has condemned the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a white genocide have been widely discredited and are not supported by credible proof.

Tensions intensified last year when the US imposed the most severe import duties of any African country on South Africa.