Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally received the credentials of the new United States ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, marking the official start of his diplomatic mission.
The Presidency confirmed on Wednesday that Ramaphosa accepted Bozell’s Letter of Credence during a ceremony in Pretoria attended by several foreign envoys, a key diplomatic process that allows ambassadors to officially represent their countries.
Bozell, who has been in South Africa for about two months, expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying he had already developed a strong appreciation for the country.
“Before I arrived, I lost count of how many people said I’d fall in love with this country. Just two months in—and they were right,” he said.
“Before I arrived, I lost count of how many people said I’d fall in love with this country. Just two months in—and they were right.”@BrentBozell, new US Ambassador to South Africa, as he presents credentials to President @CyrilRamaphosa pic.twitter.com/VSAUu97yr7
— AUK Media (@auk_radio) April 8, 2026
However, according to The Citizen, speaking to the media after the ceremony, Bozell declined to comment on controversial claims by Donald Trump about a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa, saying there were “issues” but that the day was meant to focus on positive engagement.
He acknowledged that “serious issues” exist between South Africa and the United States, particularly around investment conditions and property rights, but stressed that Washington remains keen to invest billions of dollars in the country.
Bozell said his priority was to strengthen relations and build a “new partnership” based on shared values and mutual respect, despite existing differences.
🇿🇦 His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa receives Letter of Credence from Head of Mission, HE Mr Leo Brent Bozell III of the United States of America 🇺🇸.#LettersofCredence #BetterAfricaBetterWorld pic.twitter.com/4sxCXe8dYX
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) April 8, 2026
“There have been lots of issues, but today I’m not going to talk about them. Today’s the day to celebrate, and it’s a day when I feel very proud as an American to be here,” the report quoted him as saying.
“My president asked me to come, and I’m focusing on the positive, as I told President Ramaphosa: this is the art of the possible we have to look at.
US Ambassador to SA Leo Brent Bozell III sidesteps question about a white genocide in SA while speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony to formally receive ambassadors earlier today. pic.twitter.com/N02HSjkyfB
— Business Day (@BDliveSA) April 8, 2026
“There are those who want to sow discord between our two countries. I understand that. I’m not one of them. I’m one who’s trying to find solutions.”
His appointment follows his nomination by Trump in March 2025 to replace former ambassador Reuben Brigety, and comes amid strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, including disputes over policy positions, aid, and trade.
The presentation of credentials signals the beginning of Bozell’s official duties as ambassador, with both nations expected to navigate tensions while seeking areas of cooperation.
