Thursday, October 1, 2026 - South Africa has lodged a fresh diplomatic protest against US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III, marking the third formal démarche against him in nine months.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation summoned Bozell over what Pretoria described as “undiplomatic conduct” following his recent public criticism of South Africa’s domestic policies and government response to Washington’s concerns.
The latest confrontation comes as relations between Pretoria and Washington remain strained. The United States has raised concerns over South Africa’s Black economic empowerment policies, land reform and farm killings, while Pretoria has rejected what it considers interference in its domestic affairs.
Washington has also introduced visa restrictions targeting some South Africans, adding further pressure to the relationship.
Despite the escalating disagreements, South Africa says it remains committed to diplomatic engagement and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue. The US State Department, meanwhile, has called for Pretoria to clarify the relationship it wants with Washington.
The latest protest highlights the growing urgency for both governments to manage their differences without allowing the diplomatic dispute to further affect their broader political and economic ties.
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