US Ambassador blasts South Africa over hateful chant, warns of drift toward US foes

U.S. Ambassador to South Africa L. Brent Bozell III has sharply criticized the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa for its refusal to condemn violent rhetoric, specifically the chant "Kill the Boer! Kill the farmer!" In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Bozell labeled the chant as clear hate speech and dismissed the government's defense—that the slogan is protected by a court ruling—as "poppycock."

Bozell, who has been summoned by the South African foreign ministry three times in nine months, warned that Pretoria is systematically abandoning its non-aligned status and moving closer to U.S. adversaries. He highlighted the administration's concerns regarding South Africa's deepening ties with Iran, Russia, China, Cuba, and the terrorist organization Hamas.

Beyond diplomatic tensions, the ambassador criticized South Africa’s race-based economic policies, which mandate that 30% of foreign companies in sectors like mining and telecommunications be owned by local Black entrepreneurs. Bozell stated that these requirements are deterring billions of dollars in American investment, including potential projects by Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide internet to schools.

While a senior official at South Africa’s Department of International Relations confirmed the latest diplomatic rebuke of Bozell, they maintained that the country values its partnership with the U.S. and is committed to resolving outstanding issues. A U.S. State Department spokesperson responded by stating that Washington is not interested in procedural delays and that it is now up to the South African government to outline the nature of the relationship it wishes to maintain with the United States.