The new US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, was upbeat about better relations with South Africa in his first public remarks since arriving in the country. <\/p>\n
He was markedly more positive than he had been during his confirmation hearings before the US Senate in October, when he focused heavily on President Donald Trump\u2019s many grievances against South Africa. <\/p>\n
The US embassy in Pretoria conveyed Bozell\u2019s first message to South Africa in a \u201cwelcome\u201d video that it released a day after Bozell had handed a copy of his letter of credentials to Dirco\u2019s acting chief of protocol, Clayson Monyela. Doing so made Bozell\u2019s appointment official.<\/p>\n
Sitting next to his wife, Norma, Bozell, a conservative commentator and member of one of the US\u2019s most famous conservative families, said, \u201cIt\u2019s an honour of a lifetime to represent the United States as ambassador to the Republic of South Africa. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy journey has been shaped by a profound love of family and an unwavering belief in America\u2019s purpose in the world. Throughout my life, I\u2019ve believed in the promise of American exceptionalism<\/a>, not as a slogan, but as a responsibility. <\/p>\n \u201cIt is the conviction that when the United States leads with clarity, principle, innovation and optimism, we create the conditions for others to rise as well. And when American exceptionalism helps advance South African exceptionalism, diplomacy triumphs. That belief will guide everything I do in South Africa. <\/p>\n \u201cI aim to build a partnership that elevates our shared values, strengthens the ties between our peoples, and turns possibility into progress. I look forward to working with South African leaders, innovators, and communities to amplify what is best in both our nations, our resilience, our creativity, and our spirit of opportunity.<\/p>\n \u201cOurs is a relationship rooted in history, shared democratic ideals, and deepening economic and cultural ties. More than 500 American companies are proudly invested in South Africa\u2019s growth. <\/p>\n \u201cThousands of Americans live and work here, drawn by this country\u2019s energy and potential.<\/p>\n \u201cWe face challenges, yes, and some are serious. But strong relationships are built not on the weight of those challenges, but on the power of shared purpose. I believe our two countries stand at a moment of promise where cooperation can unlock tremendous growth, stability, and expanded opportunity. <\/p>\n \u201cWe will work constructively where our interests align and where our common values, freedom, fairness, and the rule of law light the path ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n Strong contrast<\/p>\n