Leo Brent Bozell III, a conservative media critic and pro-Israel commentator, has been nominated by US President Donald Trump as the new ambassador to South Africa.
This nomination comes during a period of strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, particularly concerning their differing stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Bozell is the founder of the Media Research Center and the Parents Television Council, organizations known for their conservative media perspectives. His son, Leo Brent Bozell IV, was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. He was recently pardoned by Trump.
The nomination follows the recent expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, who was declared persona non grata due to his comments about President Trump and his administration.
Bozell’s appointment is pending confirmation by the US Senate. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has yet to announce a new ambassador to the US.
Ramaphosa says given the importance of the trade relationship between the US and South Africa, he is applying his mind to send the best diplomat the country has on offer.
He has reiterated that he does not need to consult partners in the GNU to make the appointment.
Solidarity has welcomed Bozell’s nomination.
Solidarity’s Jaco Kleynhans says Bozell has fought left-wing bias in the American media for decades and is a well-known champion of conservative values in the US.
“He will be a friend to individuals and organisations in South Africa who share these values. Bozell has years of political experience and will come here to defend US President Donald Trump’s strong stance on South Africa’s disastrous foreign policy, but also the country’s dangerous domestic policies (expropriation, Bela, racial laws, etc.).”
Kleynhans believes Bozell will also be able to build and repair, and Solidarity would be happy to work with him to help repair the relationship between South Africa and America.
