The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has moved to formally demarche the United States ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, following comments he made about the controversial struggle song, Kill the Boer.
Bozell made the remarks during a keynote address at an event in Hermanus, where he expressed his belief that the chant constitutes hate speech.
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Called to explain
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, confirmed that the ambassador had been called in to explain what government described as “undiplomatic remarks.”
“We have called in the Ambassador of the United States, Ambassador Bozell, to explain his undiplomatic remarks,” Lamola said.
Lamola emphasised that while the government welcomes active public diplomacy and efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, such engagements must remain consistent with diplomatic etiquette and international protocols.
Ambassador’s engagements in South Africa
According to Lamola, Bozell has been visiting several historical sites across the country, including the Apartheid Museum and District Six, as part of his engagements since arriving in the country.
During those visits, the ambassador acknowledged South Africa’s historical context and the need for redress following the legacy of apartheid, Lamola said.
“In his engagements and visits to various sites in South Africa, including the Apartheid Museum, District 6 and other historical places, he acknowledges that given our history, South Africa needs redress and is willing to work with us constructively in this regard,” the minister added.
The diplomatic move comes amid growing tensions between South Africa and the United States, following recent public comments by Bozell on South Africa’s politics and foreign policy positions.
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