South Africa in for a big surprise
The appointment of staunch conservative Brent Bozell III as United States ambassador to South Africa sends a firm message to the government that maintaining the status quo is no longer sufficient.
These are the views of Joel Pollak, a South African-born American conservative commentator, author, and senior editor-at-large at Breitbart News.
He said that Bozell is set to vigorously represent United States President Donald Trump and his ‘America First’ policies, and remain “tough with the South African government.”
On 27 March 2025, Trump announced his choice of Bozell for the job amid historic tensions between the United States and South Africa,
“Bozell brings fearless tenacity, extraordinary experience and vast knowledge to a nation that desperately needs it,” wrote Trump.
Although touted as Trump’s South Africa pick, Pollak told BusinessTech that he believes “in many ways, it is the right appointment.”
“The South African government, after many warnings and back and forth in the early months of the Trump administration, still has not come to the table with policy compromises.”
“So, the Trump administration is sending someone who will be uncompromising so the South African government finally understands it has to change,” said Pollak.
Bozell from Virginia is a longtime conservative activist, author and media critic who founded the Media Research Center to challenge perceived liberal media bias.
He is well-connected in conservative circles, with Pollak describing him as a “staunch conservative.”
Diplomatic tensions
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, South Africa’s relationship with the United States has hit a historic low.
The expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, for his remarks against Trump was just one example of the rapidly deteriorating relationship.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce recently said in a press briefing that the administration’s problems with South Africa are plentiful.
Bruce cited “the unjust land expropriation law,” “discrimination of ethnic minorities,” its growing relationship with US adversaries like Russia and Iran, and its case against US ally Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide against the Palestinian people.
As such, the US administration has cut off billions in aid to South Africa, offering refugee status to “disfavoured minorities.” It is conducting “a serious review” of its South Africa policy.
Pollak warned that South Africa’s involvement in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for sub-Saharan exports, is in jeopardy.
He noted that the Trump administration and Republican Congress oppose trade deals that grant preferential access without reciprocal benefits and favour bilateral relationships.
Additionally, he pointed out that South Africa is technically violating AGOA by taking positions contrary to U.S. national security interests regarding Israel, Iran, China, and Russia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently responded to the various developments, saying he had “taken note of an Executive Order and recent statements by the current US administration about South Africa and aspects of our domestic and foreign policy.”
“We have expressed concern about the mischaracterisation of the situation in our country and certain of our laws and our foreign policy positions.”
“We will continue to engage with the US and other stakeholders to correct this mischaracterisation and to restore the ties between our two countries,” he added.
Bozell to be tough with the South African government
Pollak said that this appointment reflects the Trump administration’s determination to see a change in South Africa’s policies.
“The job of a US ambassador to South Africa right now is to be tough with the South African government,” said Pollak.
He stated that despite repeated warnings and negotiations early in the Trump administration, the South African government has not compromised on policy.
He added that Bozell is being sent as an uncompromising envoy to pressure South Africa to make policy changes aligned with the United States’ interests.
Pollak mentioned that when he was considered a likely candidate, he was labeled a “right-wing ideologue”. “Well, now you’re going to get the real deal,” said Pollak.
“You’re going to get someone who is a staunch conservative who will not really care what South Africa thinks, perhaps not even really notice the nuance of South African domestic politics and history. It simply won’t matter to him.”
“He is going to represent President Trump and he is going to do so in a staunch manner,” he added.
In essence, Pollak sees Bozell’s appointment as a clear signal of the US’s intent to take a harder line with South Africa, driven by perceived policy disagreements and a desire for South Africa to change its approach on various issues.
The ambassador is expected to be a strong representative of Trump’s ‘America First’ policies.
Loading ...
