DIRCO Summons US Ambassador Leo Bozell To Explain His Comments About ‘Kill the Boer’ Chant
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has officially issued a démarche to Leo Brent Bozell
- The South African government is unhappy with the United States' Ambassador's comments about the Kill the Boer chant
- Bozell has since seemingly backtracked on his comments about the struggle song and acknowledged the judiciary's ruling
Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued a démarche to the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III.
Bozell has been in the country for less than a month, but already got on the wrong side of the government for his conduct.
The South African government was not impressed by Bozell’s comments about the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant. Bozell demanded that the government condemn rhetoric that glorifies hatred, singling out the chant specifically.
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“I don’t care what your courts say, it’s hate speech,” Bozell said.
DIRCO wants Bozell to explain his comments
On 11 March 2026, DIRCO held a press briefing where Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that the department issued a démarche to Bozell.
Lamola said that DIRCO had called in the ambassador to explain his remarks and also his engagements with non-governmental groups like AfriForum.
Lamola also indicated that Bozell overstepped the line with his comments about the struggle song. The US Ambassador has seemingly backtracked on his statement, saying that the US government respected the independence and findings of South Africa's judiciary, which ruled that the song did not constitute hate speech.
South Africans react to the department’s decision
Social media users weighed in on DIRCO’s decision to call in Bozell, sharing mixed reactions to it.
Tamlin Wilken asked:
“Come on, South Africa, don't we want peace? We are all human and love the same. I do.”
Ludwe Thukela Nokoyo questioned:
“They sent us a creep. Is he cleared in the Epstein files, though?
Nkomlele Bhongweni also asked:
“Is he appointed by AfriForum?”
Kobus Kruger suggested:
“I think the verdict of the Constitutional Court must be reviewed. No civilised country where human rights and safety and security are important will allow a song that promotes killing.”
TG Teegee noted:
“Pretoria is in a tight spot, and Trump could respond against South Africa.”
Flip Mouers exclaimed:
“Well done to DIRCO. Our ambassador was kicked out of the US for expressing his own personal views outside of the accepted diplomatic guidelines between the two countries. Their ambassador must toe the line, so to speak, as well. He is, after all, a guest in SA.”
Julius Malema tells Bozell to 'go to hell'
Briefly News reported that Julius Malema has criticised the US Ambassador for comments he made about South Africa.
The US Ambassador also outlined five demands, which are specific conditions that the US expects South Africa to meet.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader also took offence to the ambassador's comments about the Kill the Boer song.
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Source: Briefly News
