Fresh US Ambassador Arrives in Pretoria
Bozell, nominated by Donald Trump in March and confirmed by the US Senate in December, is expected to present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa in the coming days, formally commencing his tenure.
The post had been vacant for over a year following the resignation of former ambassador Reuben Brigety in 2025. Brigety stepped down after diplomatic friction intensified over his public allegations that South Africa had supplied arms to Russia—claims that Pretoria denied.
Tensions escalated further in March 2025 when Washington expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, declaring him persona non grata after he sharply criticized US policy.
Bilateral relations have also been strained over Pretoria’s close ties with Russia and China, as well as its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Additionally, the Trump administration has accused South Africa of failing to adequately protect white minority farmers—allegations South African officials have rejected.
During his Senate confirmation hearing in October, Bozell stated that he would serve “with respect for the South African people” while advancing the administration’s foreign policy priorities.
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