EFF Calls for Expulsion of US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III After BizNews Remarks
Viable News Team 
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the immediate expulsion of Leo Brent Bozell III, accusing the diplomat of making “arrogant and entitled threats” toward South Africa during remarks at a recent business conference.
In a statement, the party said Bozell should be declared persona non grata, arguing that his comments amounted to interference in South Africa’s domestic and foreign policy.
Controversial Remarks at BizNews Conference
The backlash followed Bozell’s address at the BizNews Conference 2026, where he reportedly expressed frustration with United States policy concerns regarding South Africa’s international alignments.
Bozell referred to the presence of hundreds of American companies operating in the country, including global technology and financial firms such as:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Visa Inc.
He described the presence of these companies as a sign of American “goodwill” and “commercial diplomacy,” highlighting their role in employment and economic activity in South Africa.
EFF Rejects “Goodwill” Argument
The EFF strongly rejected this framing, arguing that multinational corporations operate in South Africa primarily to generate profits rather than out of goodwill.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo criticised the ambassador’s remarks, saying they reflected what he described as economic and political misunderstanding.
According to Thambo, foreign companies benefit significantly from South Africa’s market and resources, making the suggestion of goodwill misleading.
Policy Demands Spark Political Response
Bozell also suggested that South Africa should consider adjusting certain domestic and foreign policy positions to maintain strong investment relations with the United States.
These reportedly included reconsidering:
- South Africa’s diplomatic ties with countries such as Iran
- Policies relating to Black Economic Empowerment
- Debates surrounding Expropriation without compensation
The EFF rejected the suggestions, stating that the United States had no authority to influence South Africa’s legislative or diplomatic decisions.
Dispute Over Apartheid-Era Struggle Song
Another point of contention involved the controversial anti-apartheid struggle song “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer.”
The song has been the subject of legal debate in South Africa. In 2022, the Equality Court of South Africa ruled that the song, when used in a historical and political context, did not constitute hate speech.
According to the EFF, Bozell dismissed the relevance of the court’s ruling during his remarks, which the party described as disrespectful to South Africa’s legal institutions.
Calls for Diplomatic Action
The EFF said Bozell’s statements showed contempt for South Africa’s sovereignty and democratic institutions, including the presidency, Parliament and the judiciary.
The party therefore called on the government to formally expel the ambassador.
Declaring a diplomat persona non grata is a rare but recognised mechanism under international diplomatic norms that allows a host country to require a foreign envoy to leave the country.
Broader Geopolitical Tensions
The dispute comes amid broader geopolitical debates over South Africa’s foreign policy positioning.
The country has maintained diplomatic and economic relations with multiple global powers, including the BRICS group, which includes China, Russia, India, and Brazil.
At the same time, the United States remains one of South Africa’s largest trade and investment partners, with American companies employing thousands of people across the country.
It remains unclear whether the South African government will respond formally to the EFF’s demand for Bozell’s expulsion.
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