The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned remarks from US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III, calling for his expulsion over what they deem disrespectful interference in South Africa's sovereignty and policies.
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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised remarks made by the United States of America’s (US) Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, accusing him of issuing arrogant and entitled threats against the country.
The party has called for his immediate expulsion, describing his comments as disrespectful and unwarranted interference in South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy.
''We call for him to be immediately declared persona non grata,” the party said.
In an address to the Biznews 2026 conference, Bozell outlined the US’s apparent frustration with South Africa for not aligning with the demands of the Donald Trump administration.
He referred to the continued business relationship between South Africa and US-based companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, VISA, and over 500 other US corporations operating in the country.
While acknowledging the positive impact these companies have had on employment in South Africa, Bozell suggested that their presence was indicative of American "goodwill" and "commercial diplomacy."
However, the EFF quickly rejected this view, asserting that these companies primarily extract profits from the South African economy, and that any implication of “goodwill” was both misguided and politically ignorant.
EFF spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo, criticised Bozell’s remarks, stating: “To suggest that the presence of these companies in South Africa is a form of goodwill or political diplomacy is an example of the economic and political illiteracy that plagues the White House today.
''These companies extract profit from our economy and benefit from the resources of our people. There is no goodwill in that exchange.”
Bozell also implied that South Africa should alter its domestic policies in order to maintain these foreign investments, suggesting that the country cut ties with US adversaries such as Iran, and reconsider legislation surrounding expropriation without compensation and Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE).
The EFF has firmly rejected these suggestions, stating that the US ambassador has no right to dictate South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.
“Bozell has taken it upon himself to dictate South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy. His suggestions are disrespectful and out of line.
''The US has no say in what constitutes our laws or who we associate with. South Africa is a sovereign nation, and we will pursue our own interests and policies.”
The remarks made by Bozell also extended to the controversial struggle song“Kill The Boer, Kill The Farmer,” a song linked to the country's apartheid-era history.
The party said Bozell said that he did not care what South Africa’s courts had ruled on the matter, dismissing the court’s stance on it as insignificant.
The EFF voiced disagreement with Bozell’s dismissal of the song’s context within South African history, describing it as a key part of the country’s struggle against racial domination.
“Perhaps most disrespectfully, as a diplomat, Bozell stated that he does not care what our courts say about the struggle song 'Kill The Boer, Kill The Farmer.'
''This song is part of our history in the struggle against racial domination, and to dismiss the court’s decision as irrelevant is an insult to our sovereignty and our legal system.”
Thambo made it clear that Bozell’s stance was deeply disrespectful to the sovereignty of South Africa and its institutions.
''The EFF therefore takes this opportunity to inform Bozell that the US has no say in what constitutes South Africa's domestic and foreign policy agenda, and his displeasure along with that of his President, is worthless.''
The party further stated that Bozell’s actions, in their view, warranted his expulsion as the US Ambassador to South Africa.
''In our view, Bozell's comments warrant expulsion as an Ambassador to South Africa, as he has expressed contempt for our country, the President of South Africa, the legislature and our judiciary.
The EFF expressed concern over the broader actions of the United States under the Trump administration, pointing to historical instances of American military interventions and human rights violations.
“The ambassador would be better placed to explain why the US bombed an elementary school in Iran, killing 168 children.
''He should also address America’s complicity in the genocide of the Palestinian people and explain its ongoing economic and military blockade of Cuba,” the EFF added.
''He has come to South Africa to affirm misleading narratives about our country and align with a right-wing agenda that undermines our sovereignty,'' said the party.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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