US President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has arrived in the country ahead of presenting his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Bozell, a conservative activist and writer personally selected by Trump, has a controversial record. During the apartheid era, he was publicly critical of the African National Congress (ANC) and urged the US government to avoid engaging with the liberation movement.
His arrival comes following the expulsion of former US Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool from Washington last year, and amid strained US–South Africa relations.
While Bozell has signaled openness to partnerships with South Africa, he has also called on the country to drop its genocide case against Israel, a stance that could complicate diplomatic ties.
Before officially assuming his role, Bozell is expected to present his credentials to President Ramaphosa. Under protocol, the president has the authority to delay or reject the acceptance of credentials, a decision that could signal South Africa’s position on current bilateral tensions.
Observers say Bozell’s appointment will be closely watched, given both his political background and the sensitive geopolitical issues at stake between the two nations.