ANC Refuses To Engage US Envoy Brent Bozell Pending Formal Accreditation By Ramaphosa

The African National Congress (ANC) has made it clear it will not engage with United States envoy Leo Brent Bozell until he is formally recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday ahead of the party’s planned People’s March, ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane stated that Bozell’s status remains unofficial as he has yet to present his credentials to the head of state.

“Until the time when the President receives his credentials, he is not an ambassador based in the Republic of South Africa,” she said.

Mokonyane added that the party would not enter into any engagements with Bozell until the proper diplomatic process has been completed.

ANC Stance On US Ambassador Recognition And Diplomatic Protocol

Mokonyane stressed that while other organisations or individuals may choose to meet with Bozell, the ANC would not recognise him in any official capacity until he is formally accredited.

“Others can meet with him and interact with him, but until the head of state receives him and accepts his credentials, we are not even looking forward to an invitation because it would be informal, it would not add value,” Mokonyane said.

She noted that although the ANC maintains communication with the US Embassy on various programmes, the party would not legitimise what it considers an incomplete diplomatic process.

“We have also been in touch with the United States of America’s embassy here over many other programmes of the ANC. But what we will not do is to give legitimacy to that which is as yet to be legitimate in our country,” she said.

Rising Tensions Over South Africa Policy And US Relations

Her remarks come against the backdrop of strained relations between the ANC and the United States, particularly over domestic policies such as land expropriation and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE).

Bozell recently raised concerns about the controversial “Kill the Boer” chant during a meeting with business leaders, further fuelling tensions.

Despite this, Mokonyane clarified that the ANC’s upcoming march is not directed at the United States.

“This march is not against the United States of America,” she said. “It is in defense of the rights of South Africans to demand economic transformation.”

She explained that the demonstration aims to reinforce South Africa’s right to shape its own economic path and address inequality.

“We are marching in defense of the rights of South Africans to demand the transformation of our economy, to ensure that we are not overly dependent on government, and to challenge the role of the private sector and multinational companies in perpetuating inequality,” she said.

People’s March To Highlight Sovereignty And Constitutional Milestone

Mokonyane said the march would also coincide with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, framing it as a moment to reaffirm national sovereignty.

“We will use that historic date to come out in our numbers and defend our sovereignty. Our policies cannot be written by others, as they serve the interests of our country,” she said.

She reiterated criticism of the US position on South Africa’s economic policies, particularly around affirmative action and BEE.

“Our policies cannot be written by others because they serve the interests of our country,” Mokonyane said.

ANC Reaffirms Global Diplomacy And Criticism Of US Leadership

Mokonyane also addressed broader international issues, calling for de-escalation in the Middle East and emphasising dialogue.

“We are communicating with our own progressives in the United States of America. We are talking to the world about the need to cease fire and negotiate,” she said. “But if those who are aggressively undermining sovereignty and multilateral platforms act outside of a rules-based approach, we want to affirm the need for dialogue and respect for sovereignty,” Mokonyane added.

She warned against foreign exploitation of South Africa’s resources.

“If there is an interest in our minerals, it must be for the good of South Africa. It can’t be about stealing our resources and imposing foreign leaders on us,” she said.

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Mokonyane also delivered a strong message regarding external pressure on the ANC. “Nobody must shut us up because US President Donald Trump has become a bully. We can’t be bullied,” she said.

“We died in prison, we died in the streets of Sharpeville, and we died on the streets of every township. Nobody must silence us because Trump has become a bully.”

She further raised concerns about potential external influence on domestic unity. “We can’t fold our arms when Trump is still in office tonight, and he can tweet, and you have an ambassador in waiting already wanting to divide South Africans,” Mokonyane stated.

“Our unity is paramount. Our sovereignty is paramount.”