South Africa has formally called in US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III after comments that sparked concern inside government. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said the ambassador was demarched over what he described as “undiplomatic” remarks.

The move followed Bozell’s appearance at a business conference in Hermanus, where he criticised South Africa’s policy direction. He also weighed in on the “Kill the Boer” chant and said he did not care about the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the matter. Lamola said public diplomacy is welcome, but it must stay within diplomatic etiquette and accepted international protocol.

Bozell Expresses Regret After Meeting with Dirco

Dirco director-general Zane Dangor said officials met with Bozell on Wednesday to discuss the fallout. According to Dangor, the ambassador expressed regret that his comments had distracted from the impression that he wanted to work with South Africa in a constructive way.

Dangor also said Bozell publicly apologised for any impression that he was undermining the judiciary. Lamola’s position, echoed in reporting on the matter, was that the ambassador should not inflame tensions or polarise South Africa.

This was reportedly the second meeting between South African officials and the ambassador since his arrival in the country less than a month ago.

Pretoria Stresses Value of US Ties

Even as it rebuked the ambassador, government stressed that the United States remains a key strategic partner. Lamola said South Africa views the US as important for both economic and geopolitical reasons. He added that South African companies have major investments in the US, especially in energy and chemicals.

Lamola also said South Africa is a major supplier of critical minerals to the US and that bilateral trade between the two countries is worth about $15 billion. He argued that South Africa’s policies aimed at addressing historical injustice are consistent with international practice, including in the US.

Government Defends its Broader Position

Lamola said crime in rural communities affects South Africans of all races, and added that the South African Police Service had already engaged the US Embassy on rural safety priorities and stakeholders. He also defended South Africa’s foreign policy, saying it is rooted in constitutional values, multilateralism and international law.