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

The Pretoria government has called in the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''unacceptable'' comments regarding an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Certain groups claim the chant amounts to hate speech, even though 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 issued a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and apologised for the comments.

Business Meeting Address Ignites Dispute

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

One involved the debate over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were taken as showing a lack of regard for the country's legal system.

He subsequently walked back his position, saying he was ''ready to engage with South Africa in a positive manner'' and that ''Washington honors the autonomy of South Africa's courts''.

Government Responds Publicly

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent undiplomatic remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola added 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 director-general of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Wider Diplomatic Strains

Relations between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two nations disagreeing on trade, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

Trump has been vocally disapproving of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with failing to protect the country's white minority and criticising its land reform plans.

The South African government, in turn, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.

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