Recently Appointed US Ambassador to South Africa Called In Over ''Undiplomatic'' Remarks

The South African government has summoned the recently arrived US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' observations concerning an anti-apartheid chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who assumed the role last month, sparked controversy by disagreeing with a legal ruling about the chant ''Kill The Boer''. 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 issued by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.

He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a official of the department of international relations subsequently stated the ambassador had conveyed remorse and said sorry for the comments.

Forum Speech Sparks Controversy

On Tuesday, Bozell addressed a business meeting in the coastal town of Hermanus, outlining five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One centered on the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – words that were interpreted as showing a lack of regard for the country's legal system.

He subsequently walked back his stance, 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 Reacts Publicly

At a media briefing on Wednesday, the South African government declared they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to account for his latest undiplomatic remarks.

Minister Ronald Lamola noted that the partnership between South Africa and the US was mutual. ''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.

Wider Diplomatic Tensions

Ties between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides disagreeing on trade, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, charging it with failing to protect the country's white minority 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 white genocide have been largely debunked and are not supported by credible proof.

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