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Leo Brent Bozell III has stirred political debate after publicly criticising aspects of South Africa’s policies less than a month after arriving in the country.
Bozell was speaking on Tuesday at a business conference hosted by BizNews in Hermanus, Western Cape.
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During his keynote address, the ambassador said South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies influence how investors and the global community view the country.
He acknowledged the “complexity” of South African society, explaining that his outspoken nature was one of the reasons he had been chosen for the diplomatic role.
Bozell calls ‘Kill the Boer’ chant hate speech and questions B-BBEE
Bozell specifically raised concerns about the controversial ‘Kill the Boer’ chant, describing it as hate speech and stating he did not agree with the ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa on the matter.
He also spoke about South Africa’s broader political and economic environment.
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Referring to the approach of Donald Trump, Bozell said:
“President Trump has been clear on our concerns. These concerns are not merely rhetorical; they involve the business environment, rural safety, the Expropriation Act and South Africa’s growing engagement with some of America’s greatest adversaries.”
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Bozell further urged business leaders to be more open about their views on empowerment policies.
“I want businesses who tell me privately that B-BBEE is hurting them to say so publicly. I don’t want them to feel fear from the government. There has to be that kind of outspokenness,” he said.
South Africa’s leadership, including Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, recently reaffirmed that broad-based black economic empowerment would remain in place.
ANC and EFF push back against ambassador’s remarks
Bozell’s comments quickly drew criticism from the governing party and opposition figures.
Fikile Mbalula responded on Wednesday, emphasising that South Africa remains open to international investment while defending the country’s sovereignty.
“We must make it clear to all whom we welcome in our beautiful country, including the new US ambassador, that South Africa’s international relations policy will not be dictated to by anyone else but South Africans and their government,” Mbalula said.
He added that South Africa supports a multipolar world order based on international law and multilateral cooperation.
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The Economic Freedom Fighters took an even stronger stance, describing Bozell’s remarks as “arrogant and entitled threats”.
The party also criticised the administration of President Trump and dismissed the ambassador’s comments about American businesses operating in South Africa.
“Any suggestion that their commercial presence in South Africa is a sign of ‘goodwill’, and ‘commercial diplomacy’ by the US, is indicative of the economic and political illiteracy that plagues The White House today,” the party said.
The EFF further stated that Bozell’s criticism of South African institutions justified his removal from the country.
“His displeasure, along with that of his president, is worthless. In our view, Bozell’s comments warrant expulsion as an ambassador to South Africa,” the party said.
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