War of words erupts between US and SA: ‘Get out of the kitchen,’ Lamola tells Bozell

Recent tensions have escalated between the United States and South Africa, with US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola engaging in a verbal exchange. Bozell claimed that Lamola had insulted him personally, saying South African officials must "get out of the kitchen" if they no longer support diplomatic engagement with Pretoria.

The dispute arose following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of new visa restrictions targeting individuals involved in race-based discrimination and the seizure of land without compensation in South Africa. Bozell criticized the restrictions, stating that the US had "run out of patience" with South Africa and his actions.

Lamola responded, expressing surprise at Bozell's remarks and emphasizing that diplomats are meant to resolve differences through dialogue. He asserted that Bozell's statement implied that "time for talking was over," which contradicts the diplomat's role. Lamola accused Bozell of engaging in undiplomatic conduct by interfering in South Africa's domestic politics, to which he urged Bozell to cease. South Africa has formally protested Bozell's behavior, urging him to desist from such undiplomatic actions.

Bozell responded on his X account, accusing Lamola of making a personal insult towards an American leader and expecting a démarche in response. He also criticized South Africa's decision to impose the new visa restrictions, attributing them to the country's refusal to engage on issues such as farm attacks and foreign investment.

Professor André Thomashausen, speaking to The Citizen, warned that South Africa might be losing a crucial economic opportunity by rejecting cooperation with the US. The ongoing tensions stem from South Africa's refusal to engage in dialogue and its stance on various international issues, including human rights violations and foreign investment.