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US ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III and Dirco Clayson Monyela.
The US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III has backtracked and apologised about remarks he made about the “Kill the Boer” chant.
He recently condemned the chant as hate speech at a Biznews Conference in Hermanus in the Western Cape.
Thanks to @BizNewsCOM for hosting me yesterday. I want to clarify that while my personal view—like that of many South Africans—is that “Kill the Boer” constitutes hate speech, the U.S. government respects the independence and findings of South Africa’s judiciary.
— U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa (@USAmbRSA) March 11, 2026
Bozell III took to his official account on X to clarify his position, stating his personal opinion remained aligned with many South Africans who view the song as harmful.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation had summoned him for a demarche over remarks he made about the “Kill the Boer” chant.
Ambassador Bozell also said the US had raised concerns about the Expropriation Act and BBBEE policies and has not received a response from the 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.”
Related video: DIRCO will continue to monitor Bozell’s conduct: Khayelihle Khumalo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Imy7ad0M84
