Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
03/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/12/2026 04:45
Media Statement: International Relations Committee Asks DIRCO To Report on Handling of Us Ambassador Following Statements
Parliament, Thursday, 12 March 2026 - The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to report to the committee on how it is addressing remarks made by the United States of America's Ambassador-designate.
The US Ambassador, Mr Leo Brent Bozell III, recently made statements regarding the South African judiciary and the court ruling on the song "Kill the Boer". The department has since decided to formally issue a démarche to the Ambassador.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, said it was regrettable that the Ambassador-designate had expressed, over the weekend, what he described as undiplomatic views about South Africa. The Chairperson emphasised that South Africa is a constitutional democracy and that remarks reflecting apartheid-era attitudes would not be accommodated in the country.
The committee's call for a report follows a briefing by DIRCO on the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) and the impact of ongoing and completed projects during the 2025/26 financial year. The committee heard that the ARF is used to strengthen cooperation between South Africa and other countries, particularly on the African continent. The fund supports initiatives aimed at promoting democracy and good governance, preventing and resolving conflict, advancing socio-economic development and regional integration, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting human resource development.
The committee heard that there are currently 17 active projects aligned with the objectives of the ARF. Humanitarian assistance has been provided to several countries and regions, including Cuba, Saharawi refugees, the State of Palestine, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and others. Assistance has also included drought relief and the provision of vaccines to 9 African countries.
Mr Mahumapelo said the principles of Ubuntu should continue to guide South Africa's international cooperation efforts. At the same time, he noted that the department should consider how the reach of the ARF could be expanded across the African continent, despite existing budget constraints.
The committee also requested DIRCO to provide more information on the percentage allocation of the ARF relative to the department's total budget. The committee acknowledged the value of the assistance but cautioned that the department should remain mindful of the positions taken by some beneficiary countries toward South Africa in international organisations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
It requested the department to present an updated report on the implementation of the 17 projects in the reporting period at the next meeting.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Sureshinee Govender (Ms)
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: [email protected]
The US Ambassador, Mr Leo Brent Bozell III, recently made statements regarding the South African judiciary and the court ruling on the song "Kill the Boer". The department has since decided to formally issue a démarche to the Ambassador.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, said it was regrettable that the Ambassador-designate had expressed, over the weekend, what he described as undiplomatic views about South Africa. The Chairperson emphasised that South Africa is a constitutional democracy and that remarks reflecting apartheid-era attitudes would not be accommodated in the country.
The committee's call for a report follows a briefing by DIRCO on the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) and the impact of ongoing and completed projects during the 2025/26 financial year. The committee heard that the ARF is used to strengthen cooperation between South Africa and other countries, particularly on the African continent. The fund supports initiatives aimed at promoting democracy and good governance, preventing and resolving conflict, advancing socio-economic development and regional integration, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting human resource development.
The committee heard that there are currently 17 active projects aligned with the objectives of the ARF. Humanitarian assistance has been provided to several countries and regions, including Cuba, Saharawi refugees, the State of Palestine, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and others. Assistance has also included drought relief and the provision of vaccines to 9 African countries.
Mr Mahumapelo said the principles of Ubuntu should continue to guide South Africa's international cooperation efforts. At the same time, he noted that the department should consider how the reach of the ARF could be expanded across the African continent, despite existing budget constraints.
The committee also requested DIRCO to provide more information on the percentage allocation of the ARF relative to the department's total budget. The committee acknowledged the value of the assistance but cautioned that the department should remain mindful of the positions taken by some beneficiary countries toward South Africa in international organisations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
It requested the department to present an updated report on the implementation of the 17 projects in the reporting period at the next meeting.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Sureshinee Govender (Ms)
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: [email protected]
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