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

The South African government has called in the new US ambassador after he made what they described as ''unacceptable'' observations concerning an anti-apartheid chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, caused offence by questioning a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes 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 remarks.

Forum Speech Sparks Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa needed to fix.

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

He subsequently walked back his stance, 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 Reacts Openly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had summoned the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his recent 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 senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Wider Bilateral Tensions

Relations between the US and South Africa have soured after US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two sides clashing over trade, diplomacy and South Africa's international alliances.

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

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

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