Third Démarche: Parliament Anticipates DIRCO Update on U.S. Ambassador’s Misconduct in South Africa

Cape Town – The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation in Parliament is seeking to understand the reasons behind the issuance of a third démarche to the United States Ambassador to South Africa, L. Brent Bozell III, within a span of less than nine months.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) recently issued Ambassador Bozell, who has been in South Africa since February 2026, his third démarche last month.

A démarche represents the strongest formal diplomatic protest a government can make, just short of declaring a diplomat persona non grata.

DIRCO has characterized his behavior as “undiplomatic”.

Although full details of the latest démarche dated 30 September 2026 have not been disclosed, the previous two were related to the Ambassador’s public statements in which he:

• Criticized a Constitutional Court ruling regarding the “kill the boer” chant, and
• Indicated that the US administration was “running out of patience” with South Africa concerning domestic policies like black economic empowerment and foreign policy stances.

In light of this situation, the portfolio committee has decided to invite DIRCO to provide insights into the events leading to the three démarches issued in such a short timeframe.

Chairperson Supra Mahumapelo stated that the committee will seek DIRCO’s input on the following:

1. The events that led to the issuance of three démarches within less than nine months;

2. The possible repercussions on trade, investment, and cooperation; and

3. The measures being taken to ensure compliance with the Vienna Convention.

“The United States continues to be a vital partner for South Africa in terms of trade, investment, and historical ties,” Chairperson Mahumapelo remarked.

“We back the government’s ongoing commitment to constructive engagement and the realignment of relations, as evidenced by the meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ambassador Bozell at Mahlamba Ndlopfu on 27 August 2026.

“However, such engagement must be rooted in mutual respect.”

The committee also urged all foreign missions accredited in South Africa to maintain the highest standards of diplomatic etiquette.

“We reiterate South Africa’s dedication to international law, multilateralism, and non-racialism as defined in our Constitution,” Mahumapelo concluded.

Parliament will now await DIRCO’s briefing before making any further decisions.