United States Ambassador L. Brent Bozell III strikes back against Minister Ronald Lamola

United States Ambassador to South Africa, L. Brent Bozell III, said that when he denounces a personal attack from Minister Ronald Lamola, he gets demarched.

He shared this information on social media following comments from Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.

Lamola told the Sunday Times that Bozell must ‘get out of the kitchen’ if he no longer believes in diplomatic engagements with Pretoria.

This, in turn, followed comments from the United States Ambassador about the new visa restriction policy and their dealings with government officials.

He cited five asks from the United States, which deal with rural farm attacks and the race-based measures forced upon American firms trying to invest.

They also included the chant, Kill the Boer, the Afrikaner refugee programme, and expropriation without compensation.

“No matter how many times we attempted to explain the commonsensical nature of these asks, they were met with formal silence from the government,” he said.

After being pushed to respond, President Cyril Ramaphosa wrote to President Trump.  However, he failed to meaningfully respond to any of the three outstanding asks.

“It is safe to say the United States government was not just disappointed, it was shocked,” Bozell said.

“The message was clear: The South African government does not want a constructive relationship with the United States.”

“At a time when the South African people need American investment the most, the SA government is rejecting a partnership with the United States,” he said.

He added that the time for talking was over, and that it was now time for action from the South African government.

Minister Ronald Lamola slates Ambassador L. Brent Bozell III

Lamola responded by issuing Bozell with a third démarche to express unhappiness with his comments on the white genocide falsehood.

He was also unhappy with Bozell’s meeting with AfriForum, in which he expressed frustration with the South African government.

Lamola said that he was taken aback by Bozell’s comment that the time for talking was over, because it was his job as a diplomat to talk.

“It’s our job to talk. So, if you can’t talk as a diplomat and you cannot dialogue, get out of the kitchen,” the Minister told the Sunday Times.

“He has been involved in very undiplomatic conduct. As a diplomat, you cannot interfere in the domestic politics of your host.”

“It’s rule number one of diplomacy. He clearly, with his posture, public engagements, clearly he’s engaging in our domestic politics.”

Lamola said that despite the importance of the relationship with the United States, they will act on any ambassador who fails to toe the line.

Ambassador Bozell responded, saying that this is another case where he gets attacks but is expected not to respond.

“Here we go again. Another Minister Lamola personal insult aimed at an American leader, this time me,” he said.

“When denounced, which I’m doing now, it will result in a demarche with a lecture about being undiplomatic.”

“And then the South African government wonders why relations are collapsing,” Bozell added in his statement.

South Africa is risking trade with the United States

Many experts have warned that South Africa is risking its important trade relationship with the United States.

Washington’s previous response of targeted visa restrictions showed its firm stances on land policy, domestic legislation, and international alignment.

This sent a warning shot signal that procedural delays or formal diplomatic reprimands may provoke further counter-measures rather than a reset.

Analysts warned that open resistance to US demands means South Africa risks further straining its bilateral relations at a time of domestic growth challenges.

Escalating friction with Washington threatens South Africa’s critical trade preferences, such as benefits under AGOA.

There could also be further action which could deter foreign direct investment from American multinational corporations.

Joshua Meservey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and one of the advocates for the visa restrictions, shared his views on The Common Sense podcast.

He said the rift between South Africa and the United States dates back to the Biden administration and the Lady R debacle.

He added that South Africa’s support of Russia and Ukraine and the ICJ case against Israel also played a role in deteriorating relations.

Meservey said that the visa restrictions were only a first step. Because negotiations have stalled, the United States is moving to stronger pressure tactics.

“Financial sanctions would likely be on the list of options the U.S. is considering. It would be targeted financial sanctions, not sectoral ones,” he said.

He added that people in the Trump administration are aware of the possibilities of closer trade and commercial ties with South Africa.

This includes investments that many American companies would like to make in South Africa, which will benefit the country.

“However, the United States’ five asks have to be dealt with. Until that happens, we will see the potential benefits of a closer U.S.–South Africa relationship,” he said.

He added that the ANC government appears to be delaying negotiations in the hope of waiting out the Trump administration.

This strategy, he warned, is unlikely to succeed and will only further frustrate United States policymakers.