U.S. Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III formally presented his letters of credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, joining other ambassadors from countries including Cuba at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse.
Bozell emphasized his commitment to fostering a constructive relationship between the United States and South Africa. “We are two nations with great shared values and interests,” he observed, noting his goal “to build on those shared interests, to build on self-respect, to build on our shared values, to take our two nations to places they’ve never been before.”
His appointment follows weeks of scrutiny after earlier comments challenging rulings of South Africa’s Constitutional Court. He has maintained that the anti-apartheid chant “Kill the Boer” constitutes hate speech. “The position of my country is that that’s wrong, that that is hate speech. The position of the civilized world is that that’s hate speech,” Bozell remarked.
In his address to the diplomats, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of diplomatic discretion. He reminded ambassadors that they should not publicly criticize host nations but instead raise concerns through established channels. “Whenever I send our ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries, I always make it a point to inform them that they should never criticise their host countries publicly and in a confrontational manner, but should always seek to raise issues privately and constructively,” he emphasized.
Bozell also reflected on his early experience in South Africa, noting visits to the Apartheid Museum and District 6. He praised the judiciary as one of the most respected institutions in the country. On trade and investment, Bozell highlighted the U.S.’s readiness to contribute to South Africa’s development and the ethical responsibility of corporations investing in the country.
The ceremony marks a symbolic step in reinforcing bilateral ties amid recent tensions. Analysts view Bozell’s remarks and the president’s guidance as part of ongoing efforts to balance candid dialogue with mutual respect, ensuring interactions between the two nations remain constructive.
