Johannesburg, South Africa — March 12, 2026 South Africa Summoned New US Ambassador Over ‘Undiplomatic Remarks’Pretoria has summoned the newly appointed US ambassador to explain his “undiplomatic remarks “regarding South African racial policies and court decisions, according to Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.
The ambassador, Brent Bozell, who took up his post last month, has been criticized for comments made during his first public address.
In his remarks, Bozell labeled the apartheid — era chant “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer “as “hate speech “and criticized policies designed to empower black South Africans.
This stance contrasts with the South African judiciary’s ruling that the chant does not constitute hate speech and should be considered within the context of the struggle against white-minority rule. “We have called in the ambassador of the United States, Ambassador Bozell, to explain his undiplomatic remarks, “Lamola told journalists.
Bozell’s comments, which have drawn strong reactions, also included criticism of South Africa’s black economic empowerment policies, which he likened to apartheid race laws.
Bozell’s remarks have sparked controversy, with some arguing that his comments undermine the progress made since the end of apartheid. Lamola emphasized that broad-based black economic empowerment is not reverse racism but a necessary tool to address structural imbalances resulting from South Africa’s history.
The ambassador appeared to backtrack on Wednesday, clarifying on social media that while he personally views “Kill the Boer “as hate speech, the US government respects the independence of South Africa’s judiciary.
The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between South Africa and the United States over a range of issues, including South Africa’s genocide case against Israel and President Donald Trump’s claims of persecution of white Afrikaners. Further details are expected as the situation develops. Sources indicate that the South African government is seeking to clarify Bozell’s remarks and their implications for bilateral relations.
