Ramaphosa welcomes America's Bozell among new ambassadors
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday received Letters of Credence from Heads of Mission-Designate from 20 countries, including Cuba, Lebanon, Ukraine, and the United States, at a Credentials Ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
The event marked a key moment in South Africa’s diplomatic calendar, underscoring the country’s commitment to fostering international partnerships grounded in mutual respect, trade, and peace.
President Ramaphosa used the occasion to reflect on the significance of 2026 for South Africa, which marks 30 years since the adoption of the country’s democratic constitution. He reminded the assembled diplomats of the painful history from which the nation emerged, and emphasized that the constitution enshrines enduring values of human dignity, equality, and freedom.
"It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you, all of you, collectively, as you begin your tenure as representatives of your country to the Republic of South Africa. This is an auspicious year for South Africa, for this year we mark 30 years since the adoption of our democratic constitution…The constitution of our country commits all South Africans, not just the state, to safeguard our democracy, to uphold the rule of law, and to protect human rights," the President said.
He noted that South Africa’s international outlook is guided by the principles of its Constitution, reflecting the country’s commitment to justice, equality, and human rights on a global scale.
In his address, Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa seeks a world order defined by peace, dialogue, and cooperation, and not by force or oppression.
"We seek a global order defined by peace and friendship amongst all nations of the world. We seek a world order where the gulf between inequality amongst nations is narrowed, where nations of the world make a commitment to stand united against racism, colonialism, subjugation, and all forms of oppression and intolerance. This stance is born out of our own history."
Beyond diplomacy, Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s economic recovery and investment potential. He pointed to the recent sixth South Africa Investment Conference, which secured R889 billion in investment commitments from both local and international companies.
He further outlined the government’s ambitious target of R3 trillion in investment commitments over the next three years, driven by reforms to unlock economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
"A debilitating energy crisis is now behind us, and we have embarked on a range of far-reaching reforms to overcome challenges in the water sector and in the logistics sector."
Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa is a ready, willing, able, and capable partner for trade, development, and progress, and encouraged ambassadors to support bilateral partnerships that drive sustainable growth and inclusive development.
DIPLOMACY IN A TIME OF INTERNATIONAL WARS
The President also underscored the importance of diplomacy in addressing global challenges, including conflicts, climate change, poverty, and inequality. He welcomed recent ceasefire agreements in the Middle East, calling for dialogue and mediation to prevent further loss of life.
"We strive to ensure that global peace and security are secured through dialogue and negotiation and not through force of arms, where international laws, treaties, and agreements are upheld and respected…We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire and are hopeful that it will lay the basis for a permanent resolution of the conflict."
He reinforced the role of South African ambassadors and high commissioners as ambassadors of national interest, urging them to exercise diplomatic discretion, foster strong bilateral ties, and promote trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
The President underlined a “golden rule” approach to diplomacy: engage constructively, respect sovereignty, and promote partnerships without public confrontation.
"Whenever I send our Ambassadors and or High Commissioners to various countries, I always make it a point to inform them that they should never criticize their host countries publicly and in a confrontational manner, but should always seek to raise issues privately and constructively. They should always seek to build relationships with various stakeholders in their host countries."
The ceremony also celebrated South Africa’s role on the global stage, with the President highlighting that the country is not an island but part of a larger international community that must work collectively for the common good of humanity.
"It was the English poet John Donne who wrote that no man is an island entire of itself but a piece of the continent, a part of the main. Likewise, we as South Africa are not an island; we are part of the whole…As President of South Africa, whenever I appoint Ambassadors or High Commissioners to your various countries, I expect them to respect your country's sovereignty and to promote good relations between our two nations, your country and South Africa," the President said.
SA WELCOMES US AMBASSADOR BRENT BOZELL
Last month, US Ambassador Brent Bozell came under fire for his comments about South Africa's judiciary and the ruling in the 'Kill the Boer' case that lobby group Afriforum brought.
At the time, Bozell said he considered the chant hate speech, despite the court's finding that it was not. He later retracted his statement.
Last year, South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled by Secretary of State Marco Rubio after publicly criticising Trump.
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