Leo Brent Bozell III said the 'Kill the Boer' chant was hate speech and asked businesses to speak out against B-BBEE.
The United States (US) Ambassador to South Africa has gradually begun to irritate South Africa's political establishment.
Leo Brent Bozell III arrived in South Africa less than a month ago and, on Tuesday, was the keynote speaker at a business conference organized by BizNews in Hermanus, Western Cape.
Bozell was critical of South Africa's current policy trajectory, drawing counter-criticism from ANC General Secretary Fikile Mbalula and the EFF.
Hate speech and B-BBEE
The US ambassador noted the “complexity” of South African society but explained that he was selected for the position because of his outspoken nature.
Bozell said South Africa's domestic and foreign policies shape perceptions among investors and the broader international community.
He made special mention of the 'Kill the Boers' chant, declaring it hate speech and saying he “doesn't care” about the Constitutional Court's ruling on the matter.
Saying that “America First doesn't just mean America”, he urged South Africans from all walks of life to appreciate the benefits of aligning with American interests.
Bozell explained, “President Trump has been clear on our concerns. These concerns are not just rhetoric; they include the business environment, rural security, the Expropriation Act, and South Africa's growing engagement with some of America's biggest adversaries.” businessnews conference.
With President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, Paul Mashatile, both recently confirming that broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) is here to stay for the foreseeable future, Bozell is calling on businesses to express themselves honestly on the matter.
The ambassador said, “I want businesses that tell me privately that B-BBEE is hurting them to say so publicly. I don't want them to feel threatened by the government. That's the kind of outspokenness that needs to happen.”
'Instructions will not be given'
On Wednesday, Mbalula's response said South Africa was “open for business” and Bozell highlighted the presence of US corporations in South Africa, using them as an example of bilateral cooperation.
However, the ANC secretary general dismissed any concerns about investor confidence, pointing out that major US companies attended the G20 summit, while no senior US diplomats would come.
They added a subtle reminder of South Africa's political independence.
“We must make it clear to everyone we welcome to our beautiful country, including the new US Ambassador, that South Africa's international relations policy will not be determined by anyone but South Africans and their government.
“We reiterate that South Africa believes in a multipolar world that respects international law and the international institutions that support the multilateralism system,” Mbalula said.
'Political illiteracy'
The EFF took a less diplomatic view of Bozel's comments, calling them “arrogant and entitled threats”.
The party took it further on Wednesday, accusing US President Donald Trump of leading a “child-killing and warmongering” administration.
Expanding on Mbalula's reference to American companies already established in South Africa, the EFF criticized Bozell and his superiors.
“Any suggestion that his business presence in South Africa is a sign of 'goodwill' and 'commercial diplomacy' by the US is indicative of the economic and political illiteracy that haunts the White House today,” the EFF said on Monday.
The party reiterated its belief that 'kill the Boers' chants equated to freedom of speech, and cited Bozel's “contempt” for South African institutions as justifying his expulsion from the country.
The EFF said, “His outrage, with his president, is unfounded. In our view, Bozel's comments warrant his expulsion as ambassador to South Africa.”
Read now: Brent Bozell III pledges to boost ties between US and South Africa (Video)
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