South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have launched a fierce attack on United States (US) Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III, accusing him of arrogance, issuing threats and interference in the country’s sovereignty after controversial remarks about investment, domestic policy, and political expression.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, the EFF condemned what it described as “threatening remarks” by the American envoy, who suggested that continued investment by US companies in South Africa could depend on the country aligning more closely with Washington’s political expectations.
The comments reportedly came during an address at the BizNews Conference in Hermanus, where Bozell warned that the United States was “running out of patience” with South Africa over several unresolved policy concerns.
Investment Pressure and Policy Disputes
According to reports, the US has presented Pretoria with a list of key concerns, including issues around expropriation without compensation, Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, rural security, and political rhetoric such as the controversial struggle chant “Kill the Boer.”
Bozell argued that these issues create uncertainty for foreign investors and urged the South African government to address them. He also said the US believes the chant amounts to hate speech, despite South African court rulings that have recognised it as protected political expression within its historical context.
The ambassador’s remarks quickly sparked political backlash.
The EFF rejected the suggestion that American private-sector investment should be viewed as an act of “goodwill” from the US government. Instead, the party said multinational corporations operate in South Africa primarily for profit and should not be used as leverage to influence domestic policy.
“No Foreign Power Will Dictate”
The party further accused Bozell of undermining South Africa’s constitutional order by dismissing decisions of the judiciary. The EFF said:
“South Africa is a sovereign nation.”
The EFF further insisted that no foreign diplomat has the authority to dictate the country’s laws, policies, or political expression.
The party went further, suggesting the ambassador’s remarks were serious enough to warrant his expulsion from the country, arguing that they demonstrate contempt for South Africa’s institutions.
Diplomatic Tensions Growing
The dispute comes at a delicate moment for US–South Africa relations, which have already been strained by disagreements over foreign policy alignment, land reform legislation, and Pretoria’s growing ties with countries such as Russia, China, and Iran.
Analysts say the controversy reflects deeper geopolitical tensions as Washington seeks stronger alignment from partners while Pretoria continues to emphasise non-alignment and multilateral diplomacy.
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