New US envoy Brent Bozell III arrives in Pretoria amid strained US–SA ties

A new chapter in US–South Africa relations is about to begin and it starts with a formal handshake at the Union Buildings.

Leo Brent Bozell III has arrived in South Africa and is expected to present his credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa before officially taking up his role as Washington’s top diplomat in Pretoria.

On paper, it’s a routine diplomatic step. In reality, it comes at a sensitive moment.

Credentials before diplomacy

Under international protocol, an ambassador does not formally assume office until their credentials are accepted by the host country’s head of state. Once Ramaphosa receives Bozell’s letter of credence, he will officially represent the United States in South Africa.

Bozell’s arrival follows his confirmation by the US Senate in December and his subsequent swearing-in as ambassador-designate.

The US Embassy in South Africa previously confirmed it looks forward to advancing American priorities and strengthening engagement between the two nations under his leadership.

But the road ahead may not be entirely smooth.

Tensions beneath the surface

Relations between Pretoria and Washington have experienced strain in recent months. Points of friction include South Africa’s foreign policy positions, trade matters, and its case at the International Court of Justice as well as broader geopolitical alignments.

Bozell himself has previously voiced concerns about what he described as South Africa’s “geostrategic drift” toward global rivals of the United States, including China, Russia and Iran.

His remarks before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee last year drew attention locally. Some South African commentators viewed them as unusually direct for an incoming diplomat, while others interpreted them as standard diplomatic positioning.

The backdrop to his appointment also includes a recent diplomatic dispute involving a raid at a US-linked refugee facility in Johannesburg and the deportation of Kenyan staff incidents Washington described as unacceptable.

Why this appointment matters

South Africa remains Africa’s most industrialised economy and a key regional power. Its membership in BRICS and its non-aligned foreign policy approach often place it at the centre of global diplomatic debates.

For Washington, maintaining strong ties with Pretoria is strategically important. For South Africa, balancing relationships between major global powers has long been part of its foreign policy identity.

Bozell’s background adds another layer to the story. Known in the United States for his involvement in conservative media activism, his nomination sparked debate about how he would engage not only with government but also with civil society and business leaders in South Africa.

On social media, reactions to his arrival have been mixed. Some see an opportunity to reset strained ties. Others expect robust, perhaps uncomfortable conversations ahead.

A test of diplomacy

In many ways, Bozell’s tenure will test the resilience of US–South Africa relations.

Diplomatic relationships are rarely static. They shift with global events, domestic politics and economic realities. Despite recent tensions, trade between the two countries remains significant, and cooperation continues in areas such as health, education and security.

The question now is tone.

Will this be a period of recalibration and pragmatic engagement? Or one marked by sharper public disagreements over global alignments?

As Bozell prepares to formally assume his post in Pretoria, observers in both capitals will be watching closely.

Because while ambassadors present credentials in private ceremonies, the real diplomacy unfolds in the months and sometimes the controversies, that follow.