The diplomatic relationship between the United States and South Africa has taken a turn for the worse, with US ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III responding to international relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola’s recent remarks. Lamola had said that Bozell should "get out of the kitchen" if he was tired of dialogue and no longer believed in diplomatic engagement. Bozell took to social media to address Lamola's statements, accusing the minister of launching a personal insult against him.
The exchange comes as tensions between the US and South Africa intensify, with South Africa recently issuing its third formal diplomatic protest against Bozell within nine months. The protests cite Bozell's "undiplomatic conduct" and public criticism of the South African government. Lamola expressed dismay over Bozell's behaviour, emphasising that diplomats are meant to maintain open lines of communication. He stated that it is a diplomat's job to talk and that Bozell's actions were not in line with diplomatic norms.
According to Lamola, Bozell has been involved in very undiplomatic conduct, including interfering in the domestic politics of his host nation. Lamola noted that as a diplomat, one cannot interfere in the domestic politics of the host country, calling it "rule number one of diplomacy." Bozell's public engagements and posture have been seen as engaging in South Africa's domestic politics, further straining relations between the two countries.
The latest diplomatic protest was issued to express dissatisfaction with Bozell's comments regarding the "white genocide falsehood" and his September meeting with AfriForum. During the meeting, Bozell voiced frustration with the South African government, claiming that the US was "tired of the many discussions" and had run out of patience. This meeting and Bozell's comments have been seen as a significant escalation of the diplomatic spat.
Bozell took to social media to address Lamola's statements, arguing that the minister's personal insult would further strain bilateral relations. He wrote that another personal insult from Lamola aimed at an American leader would result in a diplomatic protest with a lecture about being "undiplomatic." Bozell expressed frustration that the South African government wonders why relations are collapsing, implying that their actions are a significant contributor to the deterioration.
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel also criticised Lamola, accusing him of failing to prioritise South Africa's national interests and deliberately sabotaging ties with the US. Kriel stated that it is not about who is right or wrong but rather about the reckless nature of insulting a trading partner whose trade relationship benefits South Africa more than any other. He emphasised that AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement have submitted proposals to both governments to help resolve the diplomatic dispute.
Kriel warned that if these efforts fail and South Africa is punished by the US, Lamola and the ANC leadership should take full responsibility for the negative consequences their behaviour causes for South Africa and its citizens. He expressed concern that ANC leaders will continue to enrich themselves while ordinary South Africans will bear the consequences of the ANC leadership's irresponsible policies and behaviour. The diplomatic spat between the US and South Africa continues to escalate, with no clear resolution in sight.
Key points
- The US and South Africa have a significant trade relationship that benefits South Africa more than any other country.
- South Africa has issued three formal diplomatic protests against Bozell within nine months, citing his "undiplomatic conduct" and public criticism of the South African government.
- AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement have submitted proposals to both governments to help resolve the diplomatic dispute.
