Parliament, Thursday 12 March 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has noted with grave concern the recent public statements by the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Leo Brent Bozell III, relating to the South African judiciary and the court ruling on the song “Kill the Boer”.
Mr Nqola welcomed the decision by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to formally issue a démarche to the Ambassador.
Speaking at a business conference in Hermanus on Tuesday, Ambassador Bozell was quoted as stating, "I don't care what your courts say," in reference to the legal determination that the struggle song in question does not constitute hate speech.
Mr Nqola reminded the Ambassador that the independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. “The courts of the Republic of South Africa operate without fear, favour or prejudice. Publicly dismissing the findings of the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court constitutes not only a breach of diplomatic protocol but also an affront to the sovereignty of the South African state,” said Mr Nqola.
"As a guest in our country, an ambassador’s role is to foster bilateral relations based on mutual respect. Contemptuous remarks regarding our judicial system undermine the rule of law that both South Africa and the United States state they uphold.”
The committee further rejects the Ambassador’s characterisation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and land reform policies as “apartheid-like”. “These policies are constitutional measures intended to address the structural and economic scars left by centuries of racial dispossession,” the Chairperson said. He added that South Africa’s legislative framework is a product of a democratic process and is subject to Parliament's oversight and the scrutiny of the courts. “It is not determined by the personal preferences of foreign envoys.”
The committee noted the Ambassador’s subsequent clarification on social media in which he asserted respect for the judiciary. “However, the damage caused by his initial remarks cannot be ignored. It is not acceptable for the Ambassador to say that this was said in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the US government. He is here representing his country,” said Mr Nqola.
The committee remains steadfast in its mandate to protect the Constitution and will continue to defend the integrity of the South African courts against any attempts at external intimidation or delegitimisation.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR XOLA NQOLA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour