By Johnathan Paoli
The nomination of conservative activist Brent Bozell III as the next US ambassador to South Africa has sparked political debate, with parties responding with outrage, scepticism, and, in some cases, quiet approval.
Bozell III, a staunch conservative, has long been an outspoken critic of liberal media and a vocal supporter of right-wing causes in the United States.
His nomination, published on the US Congress website on Sunday, follows the resignation of former ambassador Reuben Brigety in January.
It also comes at a time when Washington has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, cut financial aid and issued executive orders against the country over what it says are human rights abuses and the country’s stance on Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The appointment, still awaiting Senate confirmation, has been widely interpreted as a move by the Trump administration to closely monitor South Africa amid its growing ties with Russia and China.
The decision follows Trump’s previous nomination of Bozell III to lead the US Agency for Global Media, a post that was later withdrawn.
The Economic Freedom Fighters has strongly condemned Bozell III’s nomination, calling it “a calculated act of aggression” by Trump.
“This nomination is not a mere diplomatic appointment; it is a blatant declaration of war against the sovereignty and dignity of the South African people,” spokesperson Thembi Msane said.
The party accused Bozell III of being a white supremacist and linked his nomination to Trump’s broader strategy of targeting South Africa.
Msane argued that Trump was deliberately escalating tensions, citing the US decision to cut aid and spreading false claims about racial discrimination in South Africa.
The African National Congress has also expressed concern over Bozell III’s nomination.
While not as fiery as the EFF’s response, sentiment within the party was that the appointment was “highly inappropriate” and could worsen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Party insiders have intimated that the move could be a political appointment meant to send a message rather than foster genuine diplomacy, which was another sign that Trump’s administration was not interested in repairing relations but in monitoring and dictating terms to South Africa.
The ANC has indicated it may formally request the US to reconsider the nomination.
Inside Politics reached out to the Presidency, who chose not to comment on the matter until a later stage.
“It is a US process within their rules and procedures. It will be inappropriate for us to offer any commentary. Once the nominee is confirmed by the Senate, we will engage our normal processes of accreditation when the ambassador’s letter of credence will be presented to the President,” spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
In contrast, the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) welcomed the nomination, calling it a positive step.
FF Plus leader Corné Mulder described it as a “welcome development” that proved South Africa remained a key concern for Trump’s administration.
“The Trump administration clearly wants someone who will keep their ear to the ground and report back on political developments in South Africa,” Mulder said.
Solidarity also praised the appointment, with its public liaison head, Jaco Kleynhans, calling Bozell III a “champion of conservative values” who will help counter South Africa’s “disastrous foreign policy”.
Solidarity and AfriForum have previously lobbied US officials for support, requesting humanitarian assistance for Afrikaners, which has heavily criticised by the ANC and EFF.
Many have warned that Bozell III’s appointment could deepen the diplomatic crisis between Pretoria and Washington and likely cause further polarisation.
The US embassy in South Africa has yet to comment on the nomination.
INSIDE POLITICS
