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Following unfortunate remarks by the United States of America (USA) Ambassador to South Africa Brent Bozell lll that sparked outrage in the country, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it has called the Ambassador to explain his undiplomatic remarks.
During a BizNews Business conference, Bozell made unsavoury remarks on South Africa’s policies on B-BEE and said he does not care what the courts ruled on the ‘kill the Boer’ chant, he said he believes it is hate speech. He further urged South Africa to take a non-aligned stance on the US, Israel and Iran conflict as dictate by the US President Donald Trump.
Political parties including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African National Congress (ANC) amongst others spoke out against the ambassador’s remarks and interference into domestic foreign policies.
The Minister for DIRCO Mr Ronald Lamola during a media briefing said his department has called Bozell in to explain himself. Lamola said while South Africa welcomes active public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral ties, the country emphasises that such engagements must remain consistent with established diplomatic etiquette and international protocols.
“In this regard, we’ve called in the Ambassador to explain his undiplomatic remarks, in his engagements and visits to the Apartheid Museum, District Six and other similar South African landmarks. He acknowledges that given our history South Africa needs redress and he is willing to work with us constructively in this regard,” said the Minister.
“This relationship is not one-sided. South African companies maintain a significant investment footprint in the United States, particularly in sectors such as energy and chemicals, while South Africa remains a leading supplier of critical minerals to the United States.
We reiterate that Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is not “reverse racism,” as regrettably insinuated. It is a fundamental instrument designed to address the structural imbalances of South Africa’s unique history,” continued Minister Lamola.
Lamola told the nation that approximately 500 US companies currently operate in South Africa, employing over 250,000 people. He said these firms operate in full compliance with the country’s domestic laws, including assisting South Africa to address historical injustices through legislated B-BBEE equivalent programs.
The Minister said it is a mutually beneficial relationship the bilateral trade between the two countries can grow but South Africa should not behave as if South Africa’s contribution is inconsequential.
“South Africa has been one of the largest importers of American products on the continent. The bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at 15 billion US dollars,” he said.
“As a sovereign State and a significant middle power, South Africa’s foreign policy is anchored in our constitutional commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes. South Africa’s non-alignment does not entail a preference for any geopolitical bloc.
Rather, it represents our ability to engage all international partners and take positions on a case-by-case basis, guided by international law. We remain steadfast in our resistance to being drawn into great-power rivalries, prioritising instead, a global governance system that is fair and inclusive,” concluded Ronald Lamola.
