The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the expulsion of United States (US) Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell, declaring him persona non grata following his comments at the BizNews Conference.

Bozell has called on the government to take stronger action on rural safety and to denounce rhetoric that glorifies violence, specifically the “Kill the Boer” chant.

At the conference, Bozell stressed that the US has become frustrated with South Africa for not adhering to requests on land expropriation, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), the protection of white farmers, and other issues.

Bozell stated that he does not care what South African courts rule, insisting that the “Kill the Boer” chant constitutes hate speech.

“We may not get clarity on the “Kill the boer” chant that we believe is hate speech, I’m sorry I don’t care what your courts say, it’s hate speech. We believe that here is clarity on the expropriation but the South African government has to step up to the plate.”

The EFF says the US has no authority over South Africa’s domestic or foreign policy and argues the ambassador’s statements show contempt for the country and its judiciary, making his expulsion necessary.

“The EFF therefore takes this opportunity to inform Bozell that the US has no say in what constitutes South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy agenda, and his displeasure along with that of his President is worthless. In our view, his comments warrant expulsion as an ambassador to South Africa, as he has expressed contempt for our country, the President of South African, the legislation and our judiciary.”

Last year, the Constitutional Court dismissed AfriForum’s appeal, upholding the Supreme Court of Appeal’s earlier ruling that the chant does not constitute hate speech.