US Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to condemn the "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" chant, despite the Constitutional Court ruling that it is not hate speech. Bozell stated that the United States' position is that South Africa should condemn all incitements to violence. He emphasized that the issue remains one of the five outstanding demands Washington has put to the South African government.
Bozell explained that the US understands the court's decision but believes that the president can still express his opinion on the matter. He drew a parallel with the US, where the president can disagree with a court decision. Bozell stressed that the phrase is seen as an incitement to violence by the entire world and that the US is not asking South Africa to disregard the courts.
The US Ambassador revealed that Washington had presented South Africa with five "asks" in December 2025, including the "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" chant, rural farm safety, and economic participation by US companies. He stated that two of the issues have been effectively resolved, but the US remains concerned about the other issues. Bozell expressed disappointment that efforts to improve relations between the two countries have not produced the expected results.
Bozell also defended the US position on rural crime, stating that Washington wants to work with the South African government on rural safety. He presented Ramaphosa with three concepts, including a plan developed by the South African government, and offered US assistance in funding efforts to improve safety. Bozell highlighted the horrific crime situation in South Africa and emphasized the need for action.
The US Ambassador rejected suggestions that the US position is primarily about accessing South Africa's critical minerals or the telecommunications sector. He stated that the US wants its companies to compete on equal terms and that greater investment would create jobs and opportunities in South Africa. Bozell emphasized that the US is seeking a partnership with South Africa.
On the recently announced visa restrictions affecting some South Africans, Bozell stated that the US will not release the names of those affected. He explained that the names could be added or removed and therefore would not be published. Bozell emphasized that the future of the relationship between the two countries depends on South Africa's response to Washington's concerns.
Bozell concluded that the time for dialogue on some of the issues has ended. He stated that the five demands were simple and that if they cannot be resolved, it will be challenging to tackle more complex issues. The US Ambassador expressed his hope that South Africa will make a move to address the concerns and restore a positive relationship with the US.
Key points
- The US Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to condemn the "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" chant as an incitement to violence.
- The US has presented South Africa with five "asks" in December 2025, including the "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" chant, rural farm safety, and economic participation by US companies.
- The US Ambassador emphasized that the future of the relationship between the two countries depends on South Africa's response to Washington's concerns.
