By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday accepted the credentials of new United States Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell, just a month after the diplomat was reprimanded for criticising the government and judiciary, and warning that BEE regulations and policy burdens were constraining South Africa’s growth
Bozell, along with envoys from 19 other countries including Cuba, Lebanon, Zimbabwe and Ukraine, was accredited during a grand ceremony in Pretoria.
Speaking after presenting his credentials, Bozell struck a markedly different tone from his earlier remarks, declaring his “utmost love” for South Africa — a sharp contrast to the controversy he sparked upon arrival with comments on foreign policy and land reform.
“Mr President, before I arrived here, I cannot tell you how many people told me that in short order I would fall in love with the country,” Bozell said.
“It has only taken me two months, and I can confirm that has happened. We are two nations that have great shared values and interests.”
He said his goal as ambassador was to build on those shared interests and values, and to strengthen ties between the two nations.
“I believe in the art of the possible, and I believe it will happen,” he added.
Bozell, a prominent American conservative activist and media commentator, is a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.
In his welcoming remarks, Ramaphosa reminded ambassadors and high commissioners to respect South Africa’s sovereignty and to promote constructive bilateral relations.
“I expect them to promote trade and investment opportunities in our respective countries,” he said.
“I also expect them to promote South Africa’s culture and value system, and to strengthen people-to-people relations.”
Ramaphosa said South African envoys abroad were expected to exercise diplomatic tact and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of host countries.
“When they have concerns, I expect them to raise those directly with government officials,” he said, adding that this approach was consistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“Whenever I send our ambassadors and high commissioners abroad, I make it clear that they should never criticise their host countries publicly or in a confrontational manner, but instead raise issues privately and constructively,” he said.
He added that diplomats should prioritise building relationships and preserving mutual respect between nations.
“It is our interest to advance a better, more peaceful and more equal world, anchored in human rights and respect for the dignity of all,” Ramaphosa said.
Bozell had stirred controversy upon arrival by signalling he would pressure South Africa over its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and over court rulings related to the “Kill the Boer” chant.
He defended his stance, saying that while he respected South Africa’s judiciary, “judges can be wrong. In America they are wrong all the time.”
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