Bozell responds to Lamola’s ‘get out of the kitchen’ remarks as US-SA diplomatic spat deepens - TimesLIVE
US ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell III has responded to international relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola’s “get out of the kitchen” remarks, accusing the minister of launching a personal insult against him.
Sunday Times reported that Lamola said Bozell should “get out of the kitchen” if he is tired of dialogue and no longer believes in diplomatic engagement.
The exchange comes as tensions between the US and South Africa intensify. South Africa recently issued its third formal diplomatic protest (démarche) against Bozell within nine months, citing his “undiplomatic conduct” and public criticism of the South African government.
Lamola expressed dismay over Bozell’s behaviour, emphasising diplomats are meant to maintain open lines of communication.
“You can’t have a diplomat who says the time for talking is over,” Lamola said. “It’s our job to talk. So if you can’t talk as a diplomat and you cannot dialogue, get out of the kitchen.
“He has been involved in very undiplomatic conduct. As a diplomat, you cannot interfere in the domestic politics of your host nation. It’s rule number one of diplomacy, and with his posture and public engagements, he is clearly engaging in our domestic politics.”
South Africa’s latest démarche was issued to express dissatisfaction with Bozell’s comments regarding the “white genocide falsehood” and his September meeting with AfriForum. During the meeting, Bozell voiced frustration with the South African government, claiming the US was “tired of the many discussions” and had run out of patience.
Bozell took to X to address Lamola’s statements, arguing the minister’s personal insult would further strain bilateral relations.
“So here we go again,” Bozell wrote. “Another minister Lamola personal insult aimed at an American leader (this time me) which, when denounced (which I’m doing now), will result in a démarche with a lecture about being ‘undiplomatic’. And then the South African government wonders why relations are collapsing.”
AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel also criticised Lamola, accusing him of failing to prioritise South Africa’s national interests and deliberately sabotaging ties with the US.
“This is not about who is right or wrong,” Kriel said. “It is about the fact that it is reckless to insult a trading partner whose trade relationship benefits South Africa more than any other.”
Kriel said AfriForum and the Solidarity Movement have submitted proposals to both governments to help resolve the diplomatic dispute, warning the South African government would be to blame if the efforts fail.
“If these efforts fail and South Africa is punished by the US, Lamola and the ANC leadership should take full responsibility for the negative consequences their behaviour causes for South Africa and its citizens,” Kriel said.
“Unfortunately, ANC leaders will continue to enrich themselves, while ordinary South Africans will bear the consequences of the ANC leadership’s irresponsible policies and behaviour.”
