In a move that has escalated into a full-blown "diplomatic war," the South African government has issued a formal and uncompromising rebuke to the newly appointed United States Ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell III. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) took the extraordinary step of "demarching" the American envoy on Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12, 2026, following what it termed "undiplomatic and arrogant remarks."
The fallout stems from Bozell’s explosive first public address at the BizNews Conference in Hermanus earlier this week. During his speech, the Ambassador outlined a "list of five asks"—demands that many in South Africa have interpreted as a direct attack on the country’s sovereign policies, including Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), land reform, and its stance on the "Kill the Boer" chant.
A "Dim View" of Bozell’s Comments
The South African government’s reaction has been swift and severe. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, summoned Ambassador Bozell to explain his "anti-diplomatic remarks." DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela stated that the government took Bozell’s comments with a "very dim view," particularly his criticism of a South African court ruling regarding the "Kill the Boer" chant.
"In this regard, we have called in the ambassador of the United States, Ambassador Bozell, to explain his undiplomatic remarks," Monyela said. The "demarche"—a formal diplomatic protest—is a significant escalation and indicates a serious rift between Pretoria and Washington.
Bozell had challenged the South African judiciary's finding that the chant was not hate speech, describing it instead as "hateful and divisive." This sparked a firestorm of controversy, with many accusing the Ambassador of interfering in South Africa's internal legal affairs.
"Arrogant Threats" and Calls for Expulsion
The political backlash has been even more intense. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have been at the forefront of the calls for Bozell’s head, demanding that the Ambassador be expelled from the country immediately. "The EFF demands US Ambassador Bozell be expelled over his arrogant threats," a party statement read. "He has shown a total lack of respect for South Africa’s history and its laws. We will not be bullied by a representative of Washington."
Bozell’s "Five Demands" also included a call for a "rethink" of the Expropriation Act and the easing of "restrictive" BEE ownership requirements. He warned that the US was "running out of patience" and that these policies were a "massive red flag" for American investors.
"Bozell can go to hell," one prominent political commentator wrote on social media. "The expropriation and BEE policies are not going anywhere. We will not be told how to run our country by a conservative activist from the US."
A "Diplomatic Spat" and a Rift in the GNU
The timing of the "diplomatic spat" could not be worse for the Government of National Unity (GNU). While some in the ANC and EFF are calling for a tough stance against the US, other members of the coalition, including the DA, have been more cautious.
"We need to maintain a constructive relationship with our largest trading partners," a DA source said. "But the Ambassador’s tone was certainly not helpful. There is a way to raise concerns without being perceived as being 'undiplomatic'."
The rift also highlights South Africa’s increasingly complex foreign policy. The US has been critical of Pretoria’s alignment with nations like Iran and its perceived stance on global conflicts. Bozell’s comments are seen as a reflection of Washington’s growing frustration with what it sees as South Africa’s "anti-Western" direction.
Bozell Expresses "Regret" – But Is It Enough?
Following the demarche, DIRCO reported that Ambassador Bozell "acknowledged South Africa's need for redress given its history" and expressed a willingness to work "constructively" with the government. SABC News also reported that Bozell "expressed regret" for his comments and the offence they had caused.
However, many are wondering if the damage has already been done. "Not a great start at all by Washington's top envoy in Pretoria," an editorial in the Pretoria News noted. "Bozell has managed to alienate the very people he needs to work with in his first month on the job."
As the "Diplomatic War" continues to simmer, the question remains: can the relationship between South Africa and the US be repaired, or is this the start of a long and painful "decoupling"? One thing is certain: the arrival of Leo Brent Bozell III has set the stage for a new, more confrontational era in SA-US relations.
Celeb Gossip News will continue to bring you the latest on this developing diplomatic crisis. Stay tuned for more updates.
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