Lamola summons Ambassador Bozell to explain anti-diplomatic remarks

US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell III.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says new United States Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell III, has been démarched to explain his anti-diplomatic comments in public.

A démarche is a diplomatic message, sometimes signifying protest or displeasure.

He says Pretoria is open to diplomatic engagements, but it cannot allow other country to disrespect the sovereignty of South Africa.

Ambassador Bozell, who was speaking on another media platform, said the US had raised concern about the Expropriation Act and BBBEE policies and has not received a response from government.

Minister Lamola says this is unacceptable.

“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has noted recent remarks by the United States Ambassador to South Africa. While South Africa welcomes public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral ties, we emphasised that such engagements must remain consistent with established etiquette and international protocols. In this regard we have called in Ambassador Bozell to explain his anti-diplomatic remarks.”

WATCH | Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola says that the US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell, is a guest whose role is to support efforts to build one nation. pic.twitter.com/66wT78EkqY

— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 11, 2026