Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. (Photo: Kopano Tlape/GCIS)
Ronald Lamola, minister of international relations and cooperation, believes his department acted appropriately when the American ambassador Brent Bozell was called in in March this year and was fingered for the “undiplomatic comments” he made in Hermanus.
“Although certain comments by the ambassador were considered inappropriate and undiplomatic, they were handled through established diplomatic channels,” says Lamola in response to a recent parliamentary question from Carl Niehaus of the EFF.
Among other things, Niehaus wanted to know why Bozell was not declared persona non grata and told to leave South Africa immediately, “as would be the standard practice in any other country when a diplomat behaves in this way”.
Meanwhile, Lamola pointed out in response that the declaration of persona non grata remains a sovereign prerogative that is only exercised in exceptional circumstances.
Bozell, the USA’s ambassador to South Africa, said in his first public speech as ambassador in Hermanus on March 10 that the “Kill the Boer” chant is hate speech. “I don’t care what your court says. This is hate speech,” the ambassador said.
Bozell was summoned the next day to explain his comments to the government.
“Calling in the ambassador was an appropriate and judicious diplomatic response at that stage,” emphasizes Lamola now almost six weeks later.
Brent Bozell in conversation during BizNews’ conference in Hermanus. He would be drafted soon after. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
Lamola explains in his parliamentary answer to Niehaus’s question that Bozell was called in with the specific aim of raising the government’s concerns, “strengthening diplomatic norms and supporting efforts to stabilize and rebuild the bilateral relations between South Africa and the United States of America.
“Ambassador Bozell apologized during this appointment and expressed his regret for his comments as well as any impression created that he undermined the independence of South Africa’s judiciary.
“The ambassador’s subsequent apology and interaction with the department was intended to ease tensions and restore mutual respect in the bilateral relationship.”
Lamola makes it clear in his answer that his department will show no tolerance towards behavior that is contrary to diplomatic norms.
“The department acted in accordance with established diplomatic practice, international law and South Africa’s wider national interest.
“Engagement through dialogue and measures for improvement was seen as the most effective way to protect South Africa’s constitutional order while maintaining strategically important bilateral relations.”
Brent Bozell in conversation during BizNews’ conference in Hermanus. He would be drafted soon after. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
In his reply, the minister pointed out that diplomats have a duty in terms of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and not to interfere in the receiving state’s internal affairs.
“Under international diplomatic law, the receiving state has the duty to allow and protect free communication of diplomatic missions for official purposes.
“Consequently, the minister cannot prevent a foreign ambassador from communicating with provincial authorities, political parties or stakeholders in the course of their diplomatic functions.”
However, Lamola says such discussions or meetings should, as an established practice, be facilitated by Dirco.