Ramaphosa accepts US envoy credentials as Bozell strikes conciliatory tone

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