Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Summoned Over ''Undiplomatic'' Comments

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

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, sparked controversy by questioning a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. Certain groups claim the chant amounts to hate speech, although 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 ''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 said sorry for the comments.

Forum Address Sparks Dispute

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a corporate forum in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining 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 – words that were taken as showing a lack of regard for the country's legal system.

He subsequently walked back his stance, saying he was ''willing to work with South Africa constructively'' and that ''the US government respects the independence of South Africa's judiciary''.

Officials Responds Publicly

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had summoned 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. ''Substantial South African capital is invested in the US economy'', 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 senior official of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Wider Bilateral Strains

Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump assumed the presidency last year, with the two nations clashing over trade, foreign policy and South Africa's international alliances.

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

The South African government, meanwhile, has criticised the US decision to prioritise refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying claims of a targeted persecution have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.

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