U.S. Ambassador Summoned Over Criticism of South Africa Policies

Diplomatic rift deepens as Trump-appointed envoy challenges government on Iran ties and affirmative action laws.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:04pm

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The new U.S. ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has been summoned by the South African government to explain his recent criticism of the country's diplomatic ties with Iran and its affirmative action laws. The rift between the two countries has grown since President Donald Trump returned to office, with ties plunging to their lowest point since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Why it matters

The diplomatic tensions highlight the strained relationship between the U.S. and South Africa under the Trump administration, which has been critical of the South African government's policies. The summons of the U.S. ambassador reflects South Africa's sensitivity to perceived interference in its domestic affairs.

The details

In his first public comments since taking up his role last month, Ambassador Bozell challenged the South African government over its diplomatic ties with Iran and its affirmative action laws that advance opportunities for Black people. He compared the affirmative action laws to the race laws that oppressed Black people during apartheid. Bozell also called for changing a land law that allows the South African government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances.

  • Ambassador Bozell was summoned on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Bozell made his comments at a meeting of business leaders on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Leo Brent Bozell III

The new U.S. ambassador to South Africa, appointed by former President Donald Trump.

Ronald Lamola

The South African Foreign Minister who summoned Ambassador Bozell to explain his remarks.

Cyril Ramaphosa

The President of South Africa, who was confronted by former President Trump over claims of violence and killings against minority white farmers.

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What they’re saying

“While South Africa welcomes active public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral ties, we emphasize that such engagements must remain consistent with established diplomatic etiquette and international protocols.”

— Ronald Lamola, South African Foreign Minister (pbs.org)

“I am sorry, I don't care what your courts say, it's hate speech.”

— Leo Brent Bozell III (pbs.org)

What’s next

The South African government has indicated that Ambassador Bozell met with officials on Tuesday and apologized for his remarks.

The takeaway

The diplomatic rift between the U.S. and South Africa under the Trump administration highlights the tensions over the South African government's policies, particularly on issues like affirmative action and land reform. The summons of the U.S. ambassador reflects South Africa's sensitivity to perceived interference in its domestic affairs.