Leo Brent Bozell III has arrived in South Africa to take up his post as the United States’ new ambassador. The US Embassy in South Africa confirmed his arrival and said he is in the country to begin his work.

Bozell is a conservative activist and writer who was selected by US President Donald Trump. He was sworn in as ambassador-designate in January 2026.

Credentials Still to be Presented to Ramaphosa

Bozell was nominated by Trump in March 2025 to succeed Reuben Brigety as Washington’s top envoy in Pretoria. He is expected to present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa before he can formally take up the role.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation did not comment on his arrival. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said it is not the department’s practice to issue statements about arrivals and departures of ambassadors.

Diplomatic Tension Forms the Backdrop

Bozell’s arrival comes amid strained relations between South Africa and the United States. Tensions have remained elevated since Trump returned to office in January, with added friction after an executive order suspended US aid to South Africa and a refugee programme was announced for Afrikaners.

South Africa has not had an ambassador in Washington since Ebrahim Rasool was expelled and declared persona non grata, with a week to leave the US.

What Bozell Says He Plans to Prioritise

Bozell told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee in October that he would communicate US objections to South Africa’s “geostrategic drift from non-alignment” towards rivals including Russia, China and Iran, according to the report.

He also said he would advance Trump’s invitation to Afrikaners who want to leave South Africa due to what he called “unjust racial discrimination”. It is reported that he intends to push for fair trade practices, reduce barriers for US companies and approach the role with respect for South Africans.