Bozell signals investment interest, urges policy clarity in SA relations

Bozell was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a Credentials Ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria, where President Cyril Ramaphosa received Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate representing 20 countries, including the United States, Cuba, Lebanon and Ukraine on Wednesday.

The ambassador struck a measured but candid tone on relations between Pretoria and Washington, acknowledging that while there are differences, there is also significant potential to deepen cooperation.

"The United States is ready to pour money into investments in South Africa. And it's not just the private sector that's doing it, but the government that is doing it. There are billions upon billions of dollars that we want to invest in this country. But there are issues that we have, and the primary one is respect for private property. It's very difficult for a major corporation to come here and be told it has to surrender 30 percent of its ownership or some such thing."

Despite raising concerns, Bozell recognised South Africa’s unique historical context, particularly the legacy of inequality under apartheid. He suggested that companies investing in the country should go beyond profit and contribute meaningfully to social and economic development.

At the same time, the ambassador emphasised that the United States respects South Africa’s sovereignty, but would speak out where its national interests or security concerns are affected.

"South Africa may do anything it wishes to do. However, we would say, as any nation on the planet would say, that if any policy ever goes against our national interests or goes against our national security concerns, that's when we speak up."

Bozell also addressed recent diplomatic tensions, including criticism over earlier remarks that drew a response from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

He defended his comments, saying they had been largely positive and misunderstood in some quarters.

"As I've said, it was 95% positive, 5% hopeful. It was delivered that way…Some people chose to say things afterwards. I've read in your media…some of the most extraordinary things I've ever said, and some of the most extraordinary beliefs I've never held."

On broader geopolitical issues, Bozell expressed concern about instability in the Middle East, particularly the role of Iran and its proxies, while welcoming recent ceasefire efforts.

"The concern is always going to be its proxies and what they might do. I hope that's not going to be the case. I hope that in the days that come, they're going to find a final solution to this conflict."

Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed optimism about repairing and strengthening relations between the two countries, which have at times been described as strained. He said his mandate is to build a “new partnership” based on shared values and mutual respect.

"If I didn't, I wouldn't be here. If I didn't, I wouldn't have accepted the assignment…we can turn our situation around, and not only that, but build a new partnership based on shared values, based on shared self-interests that we have, both of our countries," Bozell said.

He added that while engagements may be “bumpy” at times, discussions with South African officials have already been constructive and progressing faster than expected.

Bozell also indicated his willingness to engage broadly across South Africa’s political landscape, including with the African National Congress, provided there is a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The ambassador’s remarks come at a critical time for US–South Africa relations, with ongoing discussions around trade frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), investment flows, and geopolitical alignment.