New US Ambassador appointment another test for US-SA relations

THE South African government is unlikely to meet US President Donald Trump’s appointment of Leo Brent Bozell III as ambassador-designate with hostilities as this could further strain relations between the two countries. 

That is the view of University of Johannesburg’s Professor Isaac Khambule when reacting to the US Embassy's confirmation that Bozell III has been sworn in as the United States ambassador-designate to South Africa.

The embassy said Bozell’s leadership will be geared towards advancing American priorities and promote “a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America” through continued engagement with South Africa.

"He will formally assume his duties following the presentation of his credentials to the Government of South Africa," the embassy stated.

The next step of Bozell's diplomatic journey is to officially present his Letters of Credence to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government of South Africa, in line with diplomatic protocol.

Experts said that this will be an interesting time, given that Ramaphosa’s envoy to the US  Mcebisi Jonas, was not welcome following the sacking of ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.  

Khambule said the government was likely going to welcome Bozell. “ I think they do not want to cause any further tension between South Africa and the US”.

He added that while issues such as the Lady R vessel likely will not rear its head again, Bozell will have a specific mandate that he will be pushing.

“South Africa seems to be aligning with Russia, China and Iran, (from the naval drill) and all the countries that are anti-US. We've heard Bozell also saying that he's going to push for South Africa to drop the ICJ case, which again shows his goals when it comes to South Africa,” Khambule said.

“If we look at the reconfiguration that is currently happening, the US are trying to bully everyone, but I don't think that has been working in its favour because now it is more likely to cause a strain between its relations with the EU, and again this will go into what those in the Global South have been saying about the US conduct in international affairs.”

Director of Surgetower Associates Management Consultancy, Siseko Maposa, said the appointment of Bozell represents a significant and highly strategic manoeuvre by the Trump administration.

“Unlike his predecessor, Bozell combines staunch conservative ideology with a substantial digital following, which will amplify the profile of his diplomatic efforts and likely shape the tone of future engagements with South Africa.

“Given unresolved tensions between Pretoria and Washington, which include but are not limited to Israel, AGOA, the US-SA Bilateral Relations Review Act 2025 and trade tariffs, his leadership will likely lead to a more volatile and assertive diplomatic arena,” Maposa said.

He said Bozell’s focal points of his term will likely include securing favourable trade and business terms for US companies, opposing Black Economic Empowerment policies, and advocating for stronger protections of property rights.

“Ultimately, the appointment of Bozell suggests that any meaningful improvement in the already fraught bilateral relationship will face significant hurdles.”

Cape Times