US ambassador-designate Brent Bozell III arrives in South Africa as diplomatic tensions linger
US ambassador-designate to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III.
Image: File
United States ambassador-designate Leo Brent Bozell III has arrived in South Africa and is expected to present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa before formally assuming his diplomatic duties in Pretoria, international news agency Reuters has reported.
His arrival marks a significant moment in relations between Pretoria and Washington, which have experienced strain in recent months over foreign policy positions, trade matters and broader geopolitical alignment.
Under diplomatic protocol, an ambassador formally takes up their post only after their credentials are accepted by the host country’s head of state. Once Ramaphosa receives Bozell’s credentials, he will officially become Washington’s top envoy in Pretoria.
IOL previously reported that Bozell’s deployment to South Africa was imminent following his confirmation by the US Senate in December. His nomination drew attention locally due to his long-standing role in conservative media activism in the United States and sparked debate about how he would engage with South Africa’s government and civil society.
The bilateral relationship has faced tension over several issues, including South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice and its positioning in global diplomatic matters.
Reuters reported that Bozell’s arrival signals Washington’s intention to maintain direct diplomatic engagement with South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy and a key regional player.
Further reaction from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and political stakeholders is expected as Bozell prepares to formally assume office.
Last month, IOL reported that the US Embassy in South Africa confirmed that Bozell had been sworn in as the United States ambassador-designate to South Africa.
In a statement shared on Facebook at the time, the embassy said it looks forward to working under Bozell’s leadership to advance American priorities and promote “a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America” through continued engagement with South Africa.
"The US Embassy looks forward to working under his leadership to advance American priorities and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America through continued engagement with South Africa.
"He will formally assume his duties following the presentation of his credentials to the Government of South Africa," the embassy stated at the time.
Bozell’s swearing-in follows his confirmation by the US Senate in December, at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
In December, IOL reported that the United States Senate had formally confirmed Bozell as the US ambassador-designate to South Africa.
While Bozell now holds the title of ambassador-designate, he will enter the diplomatic mission in South Africa, recently engulfed in a diplomatic firestorm following the raid at a US "refugee" facility in Johannesburg and the deportation of Kenyan staff from the centre — incidents Washington has labelled as "unacceptable harassment".
Mandate for Confrontation
In October, IOL reported that Bozell had issued a warning that Washington believes Pretoria is moving closer to the People's Republic of China and promised to stop what he called South Africa's "geostrategic drift" in the direction of America's international rivals.
At the time, Bozell promised to "communicate our objections to South Africa's geostrategic drift from non-alignment toward our competitors, including Russia, China, and Iran" if appointed as Washington's top diplomat in Pretoria during his appearance before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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