By Paul Richardson.
Caption: US ambassador to SA Leo Bozell III and DDG Clayson Monyela. Bozell III has presented his letters of credence to South Africa’s government. Image: Dirco.
America’s new ambassador to South Africa struck a conciliatory note in a video message to the country that contrasted sharply with the bellicose comments made by US President Donald Trump.
Brent Bozell presented his credentials to South Africa’s foreign ministry on Monday, more than a year after Reuben Brigety stepped down as envoy.
Pretoria and Washington have been at odds since Trump reclaimed the presidency in January 2025 and set about reshaping US relations with allies and foes alike.
Trump has falsely accused Pretoria of subjecting white farmers to a genocide, and has criticised its relations with Iran and Hamas.
The US president also subjected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to a humiliating dressing down when he visited the White House last year.
“We face challenges – yes, and some are serious,” Bozell said in a video message posted on X. “But strong relationships are built not on the weight of those challenges, but on the power of shared purpose.”
“As the United States marks 250 years of independence, I’m reminded that liberty, justice, and human dignity are not just American ideals – they are universal aspirations.
“I look forward to honouring that legacy alongside South Africa as we build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future together.”
More than 500 US companies are invested in South Africa, where thousands of Americans work and live, Bozell said.
The US ranks as South Africa’s biggest trading partner after China, with two-way flows estimated at $21.6 billion in 2024 (close to R354 billion at today’s exchange rate).
“I believe our two countries stand at a moment of promise where cooperation can unlock tremendous growth, stability and expanded opportunity,” Bozell said. We will work constructively where our interests align and where our common values: freedom, fairness and the rule of law light the path ahead.”