The South African government has summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III for a reprimand over his undiplomatic behaviour, marking the third demarche since he started his duties nine months ago. According to a senior official from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Bozell was called in to explain his conduct, which was deemed unacceptable. This move comes after Bozell publicly accused the South African government of ignoring US President Donald Trump's demands on land, race policy, and farm safety.
International Relations expert Dr Oscar van Heerden believes that South Africa is reaping the consequences of accepting Bozell's credentials as US Ambassador, despite his stated mission to criticize South Africa's domestic policies. Van Heerden thinks that Bozell's actions are undiplomatic and that South Africa should consider asking him to leave if he continues to speak out of turn. Bozell's recent media statements were critical of the South African government's response to Trump's message to President Cyril Ramaphosa on August 27.
Trump's message to Ramaphosa requested an update on how South Africa was addressing US demands on five domestic policy issues. Bozell's statements were seen as an attempt to pressure the South African government into complying with US demands, which Van Heerden believes would undermine South Africa's sovereignty and independence. Van Heerden also noted that Bozell made it clear during his confirmation hearings in the US Senate that his mission was to try and convince South Africa to readdress its domestic laws.
Van Heerden thinks that President Ramaphosa accepted Bozell's credentials as a gesture of goodwill, but now South Africa is facing the consequences of that decision. Bozell's actions have been described as undiplomatic, with Van Heerden stating that he does not think Bozell needs to subscribe to diplomatic norms. Bozell has written critically about the South African government, met with various groups, and spoken negatively about the government, which Van Heerden believes is unacceptable.
A senior Dirco official confirmed that the issues discussed with Bozell related to bilateral relations between South Africa and the US, which are ongoing. The official stated that both sides are committed to resolving outstanding matters. Van Heerden, however, believes that complying with US demands would undermine South Africa's Parliament and independent judiciary, which have passed and ruled on the contested laws.
Van Heerden suggested that South Africa could redirect its trade and bilateral relations with other countries, such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China, if the US imposes punitive action. He noted that while the US is the largest economy in the world, South Africa also provides important components to the US motor industry and possesses strategic minerals that the US needs. The US recently decided to retain South Africa in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), indicating that the US also needs South Africa.
A US government official stated that Bozell was called in by Dirco to discuss the bilateral relationship and stressed that the US is not interested in diplomatic maneuvering or procedural delays. The official said that the ball is now in the South African government's court to outline the relationship it wants with the US and respond accordingly to Trump's executive order. The situation highlights the delicate balance between South Africa's sovereignty and its economic relationship with the US.
Key points
- South Africa summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III for a reprimand over his undiplomatic behaviour.
- Bozell's actions have been critical of the South African government's response to US President Donald Trump's demands.
- South Africa may consider asking Bozell to leave if he continues to speak out of turn.
