Leo Brent Bozell III, appointed by US President Donald Trump as ambassador to South Africa, has arrived in the country to take up his post .
Bozell is expected to present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa before formally assuming his duties as Washington’s top envoy in Pretoria . The ceremonial presentation will mark the official start of his tenure.
His arrival comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tension between the two countries . Relations have deteriorated over the past year as Trump has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with Russia and China, imposed steep tariffs on its exports, and cut aid .
South Africa has not had an ambassador in Washington since the Trump administration expelled Ebrahim Rasool in March 2025, declaring him persona non grata .
Bozell, a conservative activist and founder of the Media Research Centre, said during his Senate confirmation hearing in October that he would approach his role “with respect for the South African people” . He stated he sees “real opportunity for a lasting partnership” despite areas of disagreement .
His priorities include pressing South Africa to end its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, advancing Trump’s refugee programme for white South Africans, and promoting business interests .
The first objective could heighten tensions, as South Africa regards support for Palestinian rights as a core element of its foreign policy . Pretoria filed the case in 2023, alleging Israel’s military campaign in Gaza breached the Genocide Convention, which Israel denies .
Bozell also told senators he would communicate US objections to South Africa’s “geostrategic drift from non-alignment” toward US competitors, including Russia, China, and Iran .
On the refugee programme, he said he would support Trump’s invitation to Afrikaners who wish to flee what the US administration calls “unjust racial discrimination” in South Africa . Pretoria strongly rejects claims that its white minority is persecuted but has said it will not interfere with the programme .
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not commented on Bozell’s arrival, with spokesperson Chrispin Phiri noting it is not practice to announce arrivals of ambassadors .
Bozell began his political career at the National Conservative Political Action Committee, where in the 1980s he opposed US engagement with the ANC as it fought to end white minority rule . He told the Senate hearing his stance at the time was due to the ANC’s alignment with the Soviet Union .
His appointment restores a permanent US ambassador in South Africa after a period in which the position was vacant following former ambassador Reuben Brigety’s resignation in November 2024 .
