Another US-South Africa row? Why new US Ambassador Bozell was summoned over ‘Kill the Boer’ comments
South Africa has called in the new US ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell III, less than a month after he arrived in the country, after comments he made about the struggle song “Kill the Boer” sparked a diplomatic backlash.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed on Wednesday, March 11, that it had démarched Bozell, a formal diplomatic step used to register a complaint or demand an explanation from a foreign envoy.
The move followed remarks Bozell made at a BizNews conference in Hermanus, where he was quoted as saying, “I am sorry, I don’t care what your courts say, it’s hate speech,” referring to the chant.
In March 2025, South Africa’s Constitutional Court refused AfriForum leave to appeal earlier rulings and effectively upheld findings that the chant does not constitute hate speech under South African law.
Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa welcomes public engagement by foreign diplomats, but stressed it must be consistent with diplomatic etiquette and international protocols. He said the department called in Bozell to explain what it described as “undiplomatic remarks”, including comments that appeared to undermine the judiciary.
Dirco Director-General Zane Dangor said Bozell expressed regret and apologised for the comments, adding this was the department’s second meeting with the ambassador since his arrival in February.
Asked for comment, a US State Department official said Washington does not discuss private diplomatic conversations.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
