New US Envoy to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Comments

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

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a court decision about the chant ''Kill The Farmer''. Some argue the chant constitutes hate speech, even though the highest court has ruled previously that it does not.

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

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

Forum Address Ignites Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting 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 stated he did not care what the courts said – words that were taken as showing a disrespect for the country's judiciary.

He later retreated 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''.

Officials Responds Openly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his recent inappropriate remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the partnership between South Africa and the US was not one-sided. ''Substantial South African capital is invested in the US economy'', 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.

Broader Bilateral Strains

Relations between the US and South Africa have soured since 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, charging it with failing to protect the country's white minority and denouncing its land redistribution plans.

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

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