Tensions between South Africa and the United States have escalated into a public war of words between International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and US Ambassador Leo Bozell.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Lamola accused Bozell of undiplomatic conduct and interfering in South Africa’s domestic affairs.

Lamola told the publication that he was “taken aback” at Bozell’s earlier comments that the time for talking was over.

This was amid US visa restrictions targeting South African officials accused of race-based discrimination, land expropriation and incitement of farm attacks. One of the “five asks” the US has of South Africa is that the “Kill the Boer” chant should be publicly condemned.

As has been made absolutely clear, the time for endless “dialogue” has run its course. No more. America has just so much patience. We want strong, and lasting relations with the South African government. It needs to show it wants the same. So far it has shown it cares for neither. As a result, the consequences, as I’ve attempted time and again to express, are necessarily going to be severe. This visa restriction policy is only the first step in a series of escalatory measures that will show America’s firm resolve in this matter.

— U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa (@USAmbRSA) September 16, 2026

But the Minister said in the interview that if the ambassador no longer believes in dialogue with Pretoria, he should “get out of the kitchen”.

Bozell has hit back on social media, accusing Lamola of “personally insulting” him and saying his response illustrates why relations between the two countries are collapsing.

So here we go again. Another Minister Lamola personal insult aimed at an American leader (this time me) which, when denounced (which I’m doing now), will result in a demarche with a lecture about being “undiplomatic.” And then the South African government wonders why relations are collapsing.

— U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa (@USAmbRSA) October 4, 2026

South Africa’s head of diplomacy Clayson Monyela told News24 that if there was to be any response to Bozell’s latest utterances, it would be done directly.

South Africa has now issued Bozell with his third démarche since his arrival in the country in February. His first démarche was linked to Bozell insisting that “Kill the Boer” is hate speech, despite a Supreme Court ruling pronouncing it protected political speech.