Pretoria – Leo Brent Bozell III has been formally sworn in as the United States ambassador-designate to South Africa, the US Embassy in Pretoria confirmed on Friday.
Nominated by President Donald Trump in March 2025 to replace Reuben Brigety, Bozell will officially assume his duties once he presents his credentials to the South African government.
In its statement, the embassy said it expects ongoing collaboration with South Africa under Bozell’s leadership, adding that he will formally take up his post once all diplomatic procedures are completed.
“The US Embassy looks forward to working under his leadership to advance American priorities and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America through continued engagement with South Africa.
L. Brent Bozell III has been sworn in as U.S. Ambassador Designate to South Africa. The U.S. Embassy looks forward to working under his leadership to advance American priorities and promote a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America through continued engagement with South… pic.twitter.com/cRoHB4re6p
— US Embassy SA (@USEmbassySA) January 9, 2026
“He will formally assume his duties following the presentation of his credentials to the Government of South Africa,” the statement read.
His appointment comes amid strained US–South Africa relations following Trump’s return to office, marked by the suspension of US aid to South Africa, the announcement of a refugee programme for Afrikaners, and sharp disagreements over South Africa’s Expropriation Act.
Tensions have been further fuelled by US accusations of a so-called “white genocide”, which Pretoria has rejected, as well as limited US participation in South Africa-hosted G20 activities.
Bozell was confirmed by the US Senate in December 2025 by a 53–43 vote.
During his confirmation process, he acknowledged the challenging state of bilateral relations and said he would push back against South Africa’s foreign policy alignment with countries such as Russia, China and Iran.
U.S. Ambassador-Designate to SA Brent Bozell III tells Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he will communicate U.S. objections to South Africa’s “geostrategic drift from non-alignment” towards U.S. competitors, will press SA to “end proceedings against Israel at the ICJ”,… pic.twitter.com/XImZq9nw7r
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) October 23, 2025
He also indicated he would press South Africa to drop its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and reiterated Trump’s position on offering refuge to Afrikaners who feel threatened.
Beyond political and security issues, Bozell said he would prioritise economic engagement, including negotiations around the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and promote fair trade and business ties aimed at benefiting both countries.
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Source: AFP
