By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The United States (US) Ambassador to South Africa Leo Bozell III has accused the International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola of personally insulting him, amid growing tensions between Pretoria and Washington.
Bozell was responding to a Sunday Times article quoting Lamola saying, ‘if Bozell is tired of talking, he should get out of the kitchen’.
The exchange comes days after the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) issued Bozell with his second démarche since taking up his post, citing what it described as ‘undiplomatic conduct’ Parliament has also raised concerns over the repeated diplomatic protests.
Speaking to the publication, Lamola said he was taken aback by Bozell’s suggestion that the ‘time for talking was over.’
For Lamola, dialogue is at the heart of a diplomat’s role.
‘If you can’t talk as a diplomat and you cannot dialogue … get out of the kitchen,’ he said.
The minister also accused the US ambassador of becoming involved in South Africa’s domestic politics, arguing that diplomats should respect the affairs of their host country.
Bozell, however, hit back on X, accusing Lamola of personally insulting him and arguing that his criticism of the minister’s remarks could itself lead to another diplomatic protest.
Relations between South Africa and the US have deteriorated over several issues, including land reform, race-related policies, foreign policy and allegations concerning violence against white South Africans.
Meanwhile the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation said on Friday that it was concerned by DIRCO’s confirmation of the latest démarche.
According to Parliament, Bozell was summoned on 30 September, and the latest protest marks the third formal diplomatic protest since his accreditation in April 2026.
The committee said disagreements between the two countries should be handled through established diplomatic channels rather than public commentary.
It also pointed to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which requires diplomats to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and not interfere in its internal affairs.