South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally accepted the credentials of controversial US Ambassador Brent Bozell, signaling a cautious diplomatic thaw between the two nations after months of tension. Bozell, a conservative media critic and Trump ally, began his post in February but faced early controversy after criticizing South Africa’s racial policies and an apartheid-era chant. During the credential ceremony in Pretoria, Bozell struck a conciliatory tone, saying he has fallen in love with the country and wants to build on shared interests. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa pointedly urged foreign envoys to utilize quiet channels rather than confrontational public criticism. The move means that both nations preserve critical economic ties, safeguarding over 500 US businesses currently operating in South Africa. It also signifies that hardline critics, especially in the US, lose momentum as both administrations prioritize pragmatic diplomatic engagement over continued ideological posturing.
Africanews
