United States ambassador-designate Leo Brent Bozell met President Cyril Ramaphosa for the first time on Wednesday, saying he has fallen in love with South Africa.
Ramaphosa received Letters of Credence from heads of mission-designate of several countries during the credentials ceremony, held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Wednesday, 8 April.
The Context
Bozell’s accreditation comes amid strained relations between the US and South Africa, tensions that have persisted since President Donald Trump returned to office.
He was nominated by Trump in March 2025 to succeed Reuben Brigety as Washington’s top envoy in South Africa.
Bozell begins his tenure after being issued a démarche order over remarks about South Africa’s current policy trajectories.
Bozell’s Words
Handing over his letter of recall and credence from his predecessor, Bozell said he has fallen in love with South Africa.
“Mr president, before I arrived here, I cannot tell you how many people told me that, in short, I’ll fall in love with the country. It’s only taken two months, and I can confirm that that has happened.”
Bozell said the US and South Africa are two nations with “shared values and interests.”
“Perhaps not enough people understand this, but you, your excellency, were the primary author of your constitution. You do understand that. It’s my goal and my time here to build on the shared interests, to build on self-respect, to build on our shared values, to take our two nations to places they’ve never been before. I believe in the art of the possible, and I believe it will happen.”
Ramaphosa’s Response
Welcoming the new ambassadors, Ramaphosa said South Africa seeks a global order defined by “peace and friendship amongst all the nations of the world.”
“We seek a world order where the gulf of inequality between and amongst nations is narrowedwhere nations of the world stand united against racism, colonialism, subjugation and all forms of oppression and intolerance.”
“We strive to ensure that global peace and security are secured through dialogue and negotiation, and not through force of arms.”
The Strained Relations
The deterioration of relations between South Africa and the US escalated after Trump signed an executive order suspending US aid to South Africa and announcing a refugee programme targeting Afrikaners.
South Africa has not had an ambassador in Washington since the Trump administration expelled Ebrahim Rasool in March 2025, declaring him persona non grata.
The Bottom Line
“I’ve fallen in love with South Africa,” Bozell said.
But the love is new. The tensions are old. And the road ahead is uncertain.
The ambassador has presented his credentials. Now the real work begins.
