US Ambassador engages SA opposition to mend frayed ties

Meetings with Holomisa, McKenzie, and Meyer Signal Diplomatic Outreach Despite Tensions Over Chants, Expropriation Act, and BBBEE

The United States Ambassador to South Africa, L. Brent Bozell III, has embarked on a concerted diplomatic outreach to opposition figures, emphasising dialogue and partnership, even as a formal rift with the South African government deepens over his recent public comments and unresolved policy disputes.

The flurry of activity follows Ambassador Bozell controversial condemnation of the “Kill the Boer” chant as hate speech at a Biznews conference in Hermanus last week—a statement that prompted the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) to summon him for a formal diplomatic reprimand, known as a demarche.

In a post on his official X account, the Ambassador sought to clarify his position. “I wish to apologise for any misunderstanding my recent comments may have caused,” Bozell III stated.

“My personal opinion remains aligned with many South Africans who view the chant “Kill the boer” as harmful and divisive.

The United States values its partnership with South Africa and is committed to working through challenges with respect.”

Concurrently, the Ambassador has been actively engaging with political leaders outside the ruling party.

On Tuesday, he held what was described as a “frank engagement” with United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa.

Speaking after the meeting, Holomisa emphasised the critical need for direct dialogue to address the recent strain.

“I stressed that misinformation about our country must be confronted with facts and direct engagement with South Africans,” Holomisa said.

“We encouraged renewed cooperation to strengthen our longstanding partnership and advance peace and economic development.”

This theme of reinforcing ties was echoed in other meetings.

The Ambassador also met with Patriotic Alliance President Gayton McKenzie on May 13, whom he called “a great friend of the United States.

They discussed strengthening bilateral relationship. Furthermore, Bozell III met with former Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roelf Meyer, a key architect of South Africa democratic transition, stating it was a “privilege” to learn more about his foundational work.

However, these outreach efforts are set against a backdrop of significant governmental friction.

Beyond the demarche over the chant, Ambassador Bozell revealed that the US government has formally raised concerns with South Africa regarding the Expropriation Act and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies.

According to the Ambassador, these concerns have yet to receive a substantive response from the South African government—a point of contention labeled “unacceptable” by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola.

Dirco, in a terse statement, confirmed the demarche while cautiously acknowledging the role of public diplomacy.

“We has noted recent remarks by the United States Ambassador to South Africa. While South Africa welcomes public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral relations, such engagements must be conducted with due respect for our laws, sovereignty, and internal processes,” he added.