New US envoy Brent Bozell vows to strengthen ties with SA
The new US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has vowed to build partnerships that strengthen ties between Washington and Pretoria.
Bozell, a conservative media critic appointed by President Donald Trump, handed copies of his letters of credence to the department’s Acting Chief of State Protocol, Clayson Monyela, on Monday.
His appointment comes amid months of heightened tensions between the two nations.
Trump has previously criticised South Africa over its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, as well as the country’s land reform policies.
Bozell delivered his first message to South Africa while sitting next to his wife, Norma Bozell, in their Pretoria office.
“My journey has been shaped by a profound love of family and an unwavering belief in America’s purpose in the world. Throughout my life, I have believed in the promise of American exceptionalism, not as a slogan, but as a responsibility,” he said.
“It is the conviction that when the United States leads with clarity, principle, innovation and optimism, we create the conditions for others to rise as well.
“And when American exceptionalism helps advance South African exceptionalism, diplomacy triumphs. That belief will guide everything I do in South Africa.”
Bozell says he aims to foster partnerships that elevate the shared values of both nations.
“I aim to build a partnership that elevates our shared values, strengthens the ties between our peoples, and turns possibility into progress.
“I look forward to working with South African leaders, innovators and communities to amplify what is best in both our nations, our resilience, our creativity and our spirit of opportunity.
“Ours is a relationship rooted in history, shared democratic ideals, and deepening economic and cultural ties. More than 500 American companies are proudly invested in South Africa’s growth. Thousands of Americans live and work here, drawn by this country’s energy and potential,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges between the two nations but stressed that strong relationships are built not on the weight of those challenges, but on the power of shared purpose.
“I believe our two countries stand at a moment of promise where cooperation can unlock tremendous growth, stability and expanded opportunity.
“We will work constructively where our interests align and where our common values, freedom, fairness and the rule of law, light the path ahead,” Bozell added.
The United States had not had an ambassador in South Africa since Reuben Brigety's departure in January.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled by Secretary of State Marco Rubio after publicly criticising Trump.
President Cyril Ramaphosa then appointed former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas as his special envoy to the United States.
ALSO READ
