President Cyril Ramaphosa has met United States Ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III as Pretoria and Washington seek to strengthen and recalibrate their strained relationship.
The meeting took place at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, Ramaphosa’s official residence in Tshwane, on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
The Presidency said the engagement was aimed at reaffirming both countries’ commitment to constructive discussions on issues of mutual interest.
Presidency pushes for recalibration
According to the Presidency, the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen and recalibrate relations between South Africa and the United States.
Bozell previously met Ramaphosa during a credentials ceremony in April.
He was nominated by US President Donald Trump in March 2025 to succeed Reuben Brigety as Washington’s ambassador to Pretoria.
Since arriving in South Africa, Bozell has publicly criticised aspects of the country’s domestic and foreign policy.
During a business conference in Hermanus, he argued that South Africa’s policy choices influence how the country is viewed by investors and the international community.
Diplomatic tensions remain
Relations between Pretoria and Washington have deteriorated during Trump’s second term.
Trump signed an executive order suspending US aid to South Africa and announced a refugee programme for Afrikaners.
The US administration has also repeatedly accused South Africa of conducting what it described as a “white genocide” against Afrikaners.
The South African government has strongly rejected those claims.
Tensions also escalated after former South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from Washington in March 2025 and declared persona non grata.
G20 dispute added to strain
The diplomatic rift was further highlighted when the United States largely stayed away from G20 activities hosted by South Africa last year.
Bozell has also drawn criticism in South Africa over comments on domestic political issues, including his remarks about the “Kill the Boer” chant.
Despite the tensions, the Presidency’s latest meeting signals an effort to restore dialogue between the two governments.
The focus now turns to whether the renewed engagement can translate into a broader improvement in South Africa-US relations.