EFF Slams US Ambassador Brent Bozell's Remarks as Threat to South Africa's Sovereignty
- The EFF condemned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell's comments as interference in South Africa's sovereignty
- The party asserted that US pressure on South Africa's domestic issues undermines diplomatic respect and sovereignty
- This follows remarks made by Bozell during an address at the BizNews Conference in Hermanus
Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: Twitter
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticised comments made by the United States ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, describing them as interference in the country's domestic and foreign policy.
Threats and remarks made by Bozell
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, the party said it strongly condemned what it described as threats and remarks made by Bozell during an address at the BizNews Conference in Hermanus. According to the EFF, Bozell suggested that continued United States private-sector investment in South Africa could depend on the country's policy direction, including its stance on issues such as expropriation without compensation and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE).
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The party also took issue with Bozell's reported remarks about the struggle song “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer”, which South African courts have previously ruled constitutes protected political expression in certain contexts. The EFF said the United States has no authority over South Africa's domestic or foreign policy agenda and rejected what it described as external pressure from Washington. The party further argued that diplomatic engagement should respect South Africa's sovereignty and institutions, including its courts, legislature and executive.
South Africans weigh in
Social media users shared their thoughts regarding what the EFF said.
@NataliaSashaCat said:
"How many companies have American shareholders?"
@Gadfly342043 said:
"Political disagreements should be expressed through statements like this, not profanities. But sovereignty cannot mean the world is obliged to accept controversial rulings."
@trivial_hub said:
"Iran and Venezuela also thought the USA had no say, until they SAID."
@Indepentdepend1 said:
"He is in South Africa, please have a meeting with him and tell him in his face."
@TheGodhead07 said:
"I was shocked by his utterances. Thank you, EFF, for standing up for South Africans."
Source: Twitter
Other stories about Bozell
Julius Malema has slammed Leo Brent Bozell III over his recent comments about South Africa. Bozell, the United States Ambassador to South Africa, was discussing how Washington was running out of patience with the country over some of its recent decisions. The US Ambassador made the admission while speaking at the 2026 BizNews Conference in Hermanus, but it did not sit well with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader.
Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, stated that the organisation met with the United States Ambassador to South Africa to discuss several issues affecting the country. Kriel said he met Brent Bozell III, the United States Embassy in South Africa ambassador, during the BizNews Conference in Hermanus. According to Kriel, Bozell told delegates during his address that the chant “Kill the Boer” constitutes hate speech and is unacceptable.
The United States' newly confirmed ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, has indicated that pressuring South Africa to withdraw its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice will be one of his key priorities. Bozell criticised South Africa's role in initiating the ICJ proceedings.
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Source: Briefly News
