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

The South African government has called in the new US ambassador following he made what they termed as ''undiplomatic'' comments concerning an historical chant.

Leo Brent Bozell III, who began the role last month, sparked controversy by questioning a court decision 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 official objection – known as a diplomatic note – was lodged by the government, which stated it viewed Bozell's comments ''with a very dim view''.

He provided a clarification on Wednesday, and a representative of the department of international relations later said the ambassador had expressed regret and said sorry for the comments.

Business Meeting Speech Sparks Dispute

On Tuesday, Bozell spoke at a business meeting in the seaside resort of Hermanus, presenting five issues he said South Africa required addressing.

One involved the argument over the chant. Bozell stated he did not care what the courts said – comments that were interpreted as demonstrating a lack of regard 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''.

Officials Reacts Publicly

At a press conference on Wednesday, the South African government announced they had called the US ambassador to Pretoria to explain his recent 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 Bilateral Tensions

Relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated since US President Donald Trump took office last year, with the two sides clashing over commerce, diplomacy and South Africa's strategic partnerships.

Trump has been openly critical of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government, accusing it of not safeguarding the country's white minority and criticising its land reform plans.

The South African government, in turn, has criticised the US decision to give preference to refugee applications from white Afrikaners, saying allegations of a white genocide have been largely debunked and lack reliable evidence.

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