WE cannot tell US what to do in their country, neither should they tell us how to run our affairs”.
These agitating words were made by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, DIRCO, Ronald Lamola, during an impromptu media brief in Pretoria, on Wednesday.
This follows the US ambassador to South Africa -Leo Brent Bozell III, who during an address in Cape Town, commented on the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant, declaring its hate speech and saying he “didn’t care” about the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the matter.
As a result, he was called in (demarched) to explain his “undiplomatic” remarks.
He has eventually apologised but that did not sit well with Minister Lamola and the country, some already indicating he should immediately pack his bags and leave, just like they did with former SA Ambassador to US, Ibrahim Rasool and lately Mcebisi Jonas.
“While South Africa welcomes active public diplomacy and the strengthening of bilateral ties, we emphasise that such engagements must remain consistent with established diplomatic etiquette and international protocols,” Lamola told media.
DIRCO Director-General, Zane Dangor said his department had discussions with Bozell on Wednesday to clarify his stance on said allegations.
“Mr Bozell expressed his regrets that these comments detracted from any impression that he wanted to work with us constructively,” Dangor addressed media.
Washington also raised five concerns namely: protecting rural communities from violence, condemning rhetoric that incites hatred or glorifies violence, concerns about expropriation laws, issues around Black Economic Empowerment policies, and expanding digital and critical minerals cooperation to improve trade relations.
These concerns were all addressed and shall continue doing so, reiterated the minister.
Lamola said that South Africa views the US as a vital strategic partner for its economy and geopolitical issues.
He said South African companies remain significant investments in the US, particularly in sectors such as energy and chemicals, mentioning the likes of Sasol and others.
South Africa is a leading supplier of critical minerals to the US, said Lamola, and the bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at $15 billion.
“While our policies possess specific features to address historical injustice, they are aligned with international policies, even in the US,” he said.
“South Africa’s foreign policy is anchored in our constitutional commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the minister indicated.
“South Africa’s non-alignment does not entail a preference for any geopolitical problem. Further, it represents our ability to engage all international partners and take positions on a case-by-case basis, guided by our human rights outlook and international law.”
On the ensuing Middle East war, the minister said South Africa condemns the violation of the United Nations by the US and Israel and the subsequent actions of the Iranian government.
Deputy DDG Clayson Monyela, advised South African citizens in the Middle East to register with local embassies for safety and support.
“We encourage our citizens to monitor government platforms and reports for relevant information and updates,” he said.
Image provided (US Ambassador to SA, Leo Brent Bozell III, should tread carefully after being demarched by SA, for he is a water-mouth).
