US ambassador to South Africa cites ignored US demands and geopolitical drift

Ambassador L. Brent Bozell III stated that the South African government has ignored three of five specific demands from the Trump administration, including a refusal to condemn the "Kill the Boer! Kill the farmer!" chant. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Bozell described the relationship as deteriorating, noting that South Africa is moving closer to US adversaries such as Iran, Russia, and China.

The ambassador was responding to a third formal diplomatic rebuke, or demarche, issued by South Africa's Department of International Relations. A senior official at the ministry confirmed to Fox News Digital that Bozell was summoned to explain his conduct, describing the incident as a record for the post. The official stated that both sides are committed to resolving outstanding matters through ongoing discussions.

Bozell, a former Fox News contributor and founder of the Media Research Center, has served as the US ambassador for nine months. He said the Trump administration's concerns stem from a previous confrontation with President Cyril Ramaphosa, which included allegations of race-based discrimination, murder of farmers, and plans for uncompensated land seizures. According to Bozell, South Africa has not addressed the demand to stop the violent chanting, with Ramaphosa previously claiming he cannot prohibit it because the country's supreme court has cleared its use. Bozell rejected this legal justification, arguing that a US president can similarly disagree with court rulings in a democracy.

The ambassador highlighted economic friction caused by South Africa's black economic empowerment policies. He noted that these rules require 30% of foreign company ownership in telecommunications and mining to be transferred to black local entrepreneurs. Bozell cited Elon Musk's Starlink as an example, stating that Musk offered to fund satellite internet for 500 schools in perpetuity but was told the government required a 30% stake in the company. Bozell said this policy is blocking billions of dollars in American investment in mining and critical minerals.

The US ambassador contrasted this approach with Chinese mining practices. He stated that US companies intend to process minerals within South Africa to leave revenue in the country, rather than exporting raw ore for processing abroad. Bozell said the US is prepared to create jobs and bring technology to the region, provided the race-based ownership barriers are removed.

On Friday, a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the US is not interested in procedural delays or dialogue for its own sake. The spokesperson stated that the ball is in South Africa's court to define the relationship and respond to President Trump's executive order. Bozell expressed guarded optimism, saying temperatures need to cool down for the partnership to succeed, while emphasizing that the current trajectory toward alignment with hostile nations is unacceptable.