Ntshavheni says US doesn't need to consult with SA to appoint its ambassador
While many believed Joel Pollak, a South African born conservative US media commentator would become the new ambassador, Trump instead chose Bozell to represent US interests in the country.
FILE: Leo Brent Bozell III during the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington DC on 2 March 2023. Picture: Zach D Roberts / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that the United States (US) does not have to consult South Africa (SA) when appointing its ambassador.
But she added that SA will look into the chosen ambassador's credentials as part of the process.
Ntshavheni was addressing a post cabinet media briefing on Thursday on conservative US media critic Leo Bozell's appointment as the new US ambassador.
The US Ambassador post in SA has been vacant since Reuben Brigety left the position in January.
While many believed Joel Pollak, a South African born conservative US media commentator would become the new ambassador, Trump instead chose Bozell to represent US interests in the country.
While Bozell has been critical of the African National Congress (ANC) over the decades, Ntshavheni said that the US can choose anyone it pleases.
"The US is a sovereign state so they have the right to choose their own ambassador they don’t have to consult with us. When we receive the credentials to consider we then decide whether to accept and not accept."
She said that the credentials process is not a cabinet discussion and lies entirely with the department of International Relations and Cooperation.