The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Co-operation in South Africa has expressed concerns over the repeated diplomatic protests involving US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III. In less than nine months, this marks the third formal protest since Bozell's accreditation on April 8. Committee chairperson Supra Mahumapelo stated that they would invite the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) to explain the circumstances leading to these protests.
DIRCO confirmed that Bozell was summoned on September 30 over what it described as “undiplomatic conduct”. The committee is awaiting a full briefing from DIRCO on the substance of the latest demarche. Mahumapelo emphasized that respect for South Africa's sovereignty and judiciary must always be maintained. He stressed that public commentary undermining decisions of the Constitutional Court and questioning domestic transformation policies aimed at redressing apartheid inequalities was incompatible with diplomatic norms.
The committee warned against diplomatic interference, stating that disagreements over issues including trade, visa restrictions, and domestic policy should be raised through established diplomatic channels with DIRCO. This approach is rather than through media interviews that could inflame sentiment. The committee's position comes amid continued public tensions between Bozell and South African officials.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola recently criticized Bozell's approach to diplomacy, saying a diplomat could not declare that the time for talking was over and accusing him of interfering in South Africa's domestic politics. Lamola stated, “You can't have a diplomat who says the time for talking is over. It's our job to talk. So if you can't talk as a diplomat and you cannot dialogue, get out of the kitchen.”
Bozell later responded on X, accusing Lamola of personally insulting an American diplomatic representative and questioning why the South African government “wonders why relations are collapsing”. The committee, however, backs continued engagement, noting that the United States remains an important trade, investment, and historical partner for South Africa.
The committee supports the government's continued commitment to constructive engagement and the recalibration of bilateral relations. This is as pointed out by the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Bozell at Mahlamba Ndlopfu on August 27. Mahumapelo said, “However, constructive engagement requires mutual respect.”
The committee also called on all foreign missions accredited to South Africa to uphold the highest standards of diplomatic decorum. Mahumapelo reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to international law, multilateralism, and non-racialism as enshrined in their Constitution.
Key points
- The committee will invite DIRCO to explain the circumstances leading to three diplomatic protests in less than nine months.
- The protests involve undiplomatic conduct by US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III.
- The committee emphasizes the need for mutual respect in constructive engagement between South Africa and the US.
