US ambassador Bozell claims offers to assist with rural safety ignored by government

The US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has accused the local government of dismissing proposals aimed at enhancing rural safety. During a visit to AfriForum's headquarters in Centurion, Bozell expressed disappointment that rural safety plans have been presented to the highest authorities, yet no action has been taken.

Farm attacks are a persistent issue between the US and South Africa, alongside concerns over black economic empowerment regulations and land expropriation. Tensions between the nations have escalated since early 2025, recently culminating in visa restrictions imposed on certain South Africans deemed unfriendly to US interests. Bozell had previously advocated for AfriForum's comprehensive rural safety plan, presenting it to President Ramaphosa and emphasizing the importance of addressing rural crime as a top priority for President Trump.

Bozell later praised AfriForum on social media, expressing that while the organization is doing commendable work, additional assistance is needed. He further stated that the US offered financial support to help combat rural crime, but this offer was ignored. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel acknowledged the organization's commitment to constructive engagement with South African society and stressed that a public-private partnership to combat crime could significantly bolster crime-fighting efforts.

The AfriForum report on farm attacks between 2019 and 2025 highlights the brutality and widespread nature of these attacks, urging the government to prioritize farm attacks as a national rural safety crisis, similar to other high-profile crimes.