Brent Bozell presents his credentials to Dirco’s Clayson Monyela. (Photo: GCIS)
The South African government on Wednesday summoned Brent Bozell, US ambassador to South Africa, to explain what were described as “undiplomatic comments” about South Africa’s policy and courts.
According to Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, the step was taken after Bozell made critical comments during his first public speech since his arrival in South Africa last month.
In his first speech since his arrival last month, Bozell on Tuesday criticized “hate speech” and post-apartheid policies aimed at empowering black South Africans.
The Department of International Relations says that although South Africa values active public diplomacy and ties with the US, this must still be done within the framework of established diplomatic etiquette and international protocol.
“In this regard, we summoned the ambassador, Bozell, to explain his undiplomatic comments.”
Lamola emphasized that the relationship between South Africa and the USA is reciprocal and that the two countries still remain important economic and geopolitical partners.
Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. (Photo: Kopano Tlape/GCIS)
He also pointed out that South Africa plays an important role in trade with the USA.
Lamola further rejected Bozell’s criticism of black economic empowerment (SEB).
“We emphasize that BEE is not, as the ambassador claimed, reverse racism. It is a fundamental part of the reconstruction of South Africa’s complex history.”
According to Lamola, the US cannot dictate to South Africa how to handle its internal affairs.
“If we can’t tell President Donald Trump how to apply policy in the US, he can’t dictate to us how to deal with our domestic issues of sovereignty either.”