Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Inappropriate'' Remarks

The South African government has summoned the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' comments regarding an anti-apartheid chant.

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

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

He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments.

Business Meeting Address Ignites Dispute

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One centered on the debate over the chant. Bozell remarked he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as demonstrating a lack of regard for the country's judiciary.

He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.

Government Responds Publicly

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

''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 Strains

Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of not safeguarding the country's white minority and denouncing its land reform plans.

The South African government, in turn, has condemned the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been widely discredited and lack reliable evidence.

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